CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Elgin Marbles

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will consider the merits of  (a) loaning and  (b) giving back to Greece the Parthenon Marbles; and if he will discuss options for the future of the Parthenon Marbles with the Board of the British Museum.

Edward Vaizey: The Trustees of the British Museum are responsible for the stewardship of the national collection and they do so independently of Government, in line with the arm's length principle. The Trustees have undertaken to consider, subject to questions of condition and fitness to travel, any request for any part of the Museum collection to be borrowed and then returned. I have no plans to discuss the Parthenon Sculptures with the Trustees of the British Museum.

Football: South Africa

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether  (a) he,  (b) other Ministers and  (c) officials from his Department (i) have attended and (ii) plan to attend any FIFA World Cup 2010 games in South Africa.

Hugh Robertson: I attended the England v USA match and travelled economy class on both legs of the journey. No officials attended. The Secretary of State attended the England v Algeria match accompanied by one official and also travelled economy class for both journeys.
	We met with various members of the FIFA family during our visits to discuss England's bid for the 2018 World Cup, one of the Government's top priorities for sport.

Olympic Games 2012: Lambeth

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the legacy for the London borough of Lambeth and its residents from the London 2012 Olympic Games;
	(2)  what steps his Department has taken to ensure that London boroughs other than those hosting the London 2012 Olympics will obtain a legacy from the games.

Hugh Robertson: The London borough of Lambeth, London as a whole, and the wider UK are benefitting from the opportunities created by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
	There has been significant infrastructure investment in and around the Olympic Park, including transport and utilities. Other economic benefits that have accrued to London include:
	Of the 6,442 contracted work force on the Olympic Park (excluding the Village) at the end of March 2010, 3,457 were from London, of which 2,185 were resident outside the five east London host boroughs (Greenwich, Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest). The Olympic Delivery Authority and its partners have a range of measures in place, including dedicated training centres, to promote sustainable employment benefits from the building of the Olympic Park.
	Of the 1,349 companies that have won over £5 billion of work directly supplying the Olympic Delivery Authority (May 2010), 689 were registered in London, of which 493 were registered outside the host boroughs and 20 in Lambeth. Many more business across London are winning work in the supply chains of the ODA contractors and LOCOG began in January its procurement for everything it needs to stage the Games, so there will be many more opportunities for business in London across many sectors to get involved.
	34,047 London companies, of which 27,418 come from outside the five east London host boroughs (June 2010), were registered on CompeteFor, the electronic brokerage system giving companies access to Olympic-related opportunities and the support to compete for them.
	The Mayor of London is responsible for maximising the impact of the Games across London and has been working with a range of pan-London partners including his family of agencies to deliver a coherent legacy programme that ensures people living in London gain from the positive effects of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Olympic Games 2012: North West

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 235W, on Olympic games 2012: North West, in which constituency each of the 85 games-inspired projects in the north west which have been awarded the Inspire Mark is taking place.

Hugh Robertson: The Department does not hold the information at a constituency level, however, 69 of the 85 Inspire projects in the North West region, and their sub-regions, are listed as follows.
	
		
			  Project name  Sub region 
			 Firefit UK Merseyside 
			 On track: Clatterbridge Merseyside 
			 Get Inspired Merseyside 
			 Fun4U Cheshire 
			 Wigan-Whats your Game Greater Manchester 
			 S.P.LA.T-Sports Participation, Leadership and Attendance Targets Greater Manchester 
			 Knowsley's Sporting Heroes Merseyside 
			 50m Training Programme and Aquatic Youth Club Regional 
			 Handball programme Cheshire 
			 Something to Chew on Greater Manchester 
			 Festival of Sport Greater Manchester 
			 EATS Cheshire 
			 Motive8 Greater Manchester 
			 Passport to Pedalling Cumbria 
			 Active Sports Merseyside 
			 Minibeast Triathlon Greater Manchester 
			 Marathon Walk Greater Manchester 
			 CADs Greater Manchester 
			 go 4 it Cheshire 
			 Golden Sports Merseyside 
			 Proud and Spirited Merseyside 
			 Rochdale refugee-Going for Gold Greater Manchester 
			 club and coach volunteer support Greater Manchester 
			 Table Tennis 4U Merseyside 
			 Tameside big dance Greater Manchester 
			 Haitons Sporting Excellence programme Merseyside 
			 sport unlimited-Cumbria Cumbria 
			 Active Arcade Cheshire 
			 Inspire to Aim Higher Cheshire 
			 Inspire BB Leagues Cheshire 
			 Halton sports programme Merseyside 
			 St Helen's Dance Week Merseyside 
			 Personal Best Regional 
			 Merseyside disability Events Merseyside 
			 Motive8 Wirral Merseyside 
			 Cumbria Ambassadors Cumbria 
			 Wirral Swim Merseyside 
			 Fit4Fun Greater Manchester 
			 Sport Unlimited-Cheshire Cheshire 
			 VISPA Cheshire 
			 World Games Challenge Greater Manchester 
			 Sport Unlimited-Merseyside Merseyside 
			 Interfaith Games Greater Manchester 
			 Tameside Volunteers Festival Greater Manchester 
			 Be InVOLved Lancashire 
			 City as a Gym Greater Manchester 
			 DadaVisions Merseyside 
			 Cultural Conversations Merseyside 
			 AND Merseyside 
			 Welcoming the World Cumbria 
			 Places of public resort Merseyside 
			 Neon attractors Regional 
			 New cultural journeys Lancashire 
			 Welcoming the Light Cumbria 
			 Sufi meets Zen Cumbria 
			 Zircus plus Cumbria 
			 Abandon Normal Devices Lancashire 
			 Woven Culture Regional 
			 Manchester Volunteer Sport Bureau Greater Manchester 
			 Goldfactor Lancashire 
			 Blaze Lancashire 
			 St Helens Club Conference Merseyside 
			 Supporter to Reporter Greater Manchester 
			 Street Sports Cheshire 
			 Girls Football Programme Greater Manchester 
			 Mintfest International (Lakes Alive) Cumbria 
			 Into the Woods (Lakes Alive) Cumbria 
		
	
	In addition, the following 16 local authorities in the North West have been awarded the Inspire mark for their delivery of Government's Free Swimming programme: Sefton MBC, Rochdale metropolitan borough council, Oldham metropolitan borough council, Cheshire East borough council, Cheshire West and Chester council, Warrington borough council, South Lakeland Leisure, Wigan council, Manchester city council, Salford city council, Halton borough council, Knowsley metropolitan borough council, Preston city council, Liverpool city council, Blackpool council, Wirral council. The funding for the Free Swimming programme will end on 31 July 2010 as part of in-year spending savings.

Olympic Games 2012: North West

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 245W, on Olympic Games 2012: North West, what the names are of  (a) the 52 suppliers to the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and  (b) other contractors to the ODA that are based in the North West region; and in which constituency each is based.

Hugh Robertson: Details of the Olympic Delivery Authority's suppliers are published in the business section of the London 2012 website:
	http://www.london2012.com/business
	under the heading ODA Suppliers. There you will find suppliers listed by venue and sector. As well as those businesses that are directly supplying the ODA, many more are winning work in the supply chains of its contractors. As these are not public procurements a comprehensive list of these supply chain contractors is not available, but a number have been identified by the ODA as part of its supply chain research published in November last year on the London 2012 website.

Olympic Games 2012: North West

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 245W, on Olympic Games 2012: North West, in which constituency each of the 68 facilities in the North West region that are featured in the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide is located.

Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) produced the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide ('the guide'), which includes the 68 facilities that met the criteria to be World-class training venues for Olympic and Paralympic sport in the North West. The guide has been produced in an online form and is accessible at:
	http://trainingcamps.london2012.com

Olympic Games 2012: North West

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 245W, on Olympic Games 2012: North West, what Olympic facilities in the North West region are referred to in the memoranda of understanding with the 17 Oceania National Olympic Committees, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and Australia's swimming team; and in which parliamentary constituency each is located.

Hugh Robertson: To date, the agreements have been made with the North West region. The specific facilities that will be used will therefore be confirmed in due course. However, I am aware that the Australian swimming team will be hosted by the Manchester Aquatics Centre.

Olympic Games 2012: North West

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 245W, on Olympic Games 2012: North West, what Olympics cultural legacy projects are planned for the North West region.

Hugh Robertson: The Cultural Olympiad comprises cultural events in the run-up to the London 2012 Games that aim to leave a cultural legacy. The Cultural Olympiad includes Major National Projects, annual Open Weekends and individual projects that have been awarded the Inspire Mark.
	Some of the Cultural Olympiad Major National Projects include a regional component. "Artists Taking the Lead" features cutting edge art works in each region. In the North West this work is Projected Column by Anthony McCall which will be located in Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead. "Stories of the World" is a UK wide series of exhibitions featuring collections reinterpreted by young people, local communities, historians, artists and other fresh voices. In the North West the exhibition is Global Threads, based around Lancashire's heritage of textiles and cotton mills.
	Open Weekend 2010 will take place over 23-25 July. So far, 36 cultural and sports events in the North West have been registered.
	13 cultural projects in the North West have been awarded the Inspire Mark. Three examples are "Lakes Alive", a programme of street art events across the Lake District and Cumbria; "Places of Public resort", an interactive heritage project for the Liverpool BBC Live site; and "Abandon Normal Devices", a brand new arts festival for the North West alternating annually between Liverpool and Manchester.
	As elsewhere in the UK, Cultural Olympiad events will bring communities in the North West together, allowing local people to access activities they may never have experienced before leading to a broader interest and participation in cultural pursuits that will extend beyond 2012.

Olympic Games 2012: Triathlon Homes

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many of the affordable homes in the Olympic Village development owned by Triathlon Homes will be made available as social rented homes for people on local housing waiting lists in  (a) Tower Hamlets and  (b) other host boroughs.

Hugh Robertson: holding answer 28 June 2010
	The Triathlon agreement entered into in 2009 includes 1,379 affordable homes in the Olympic Village. The lettings policy is currently being developed by Triathlon Homes, in full consultation with the five host boroughs, the Greater London Authority and the London Mayor's housing strategy.

Olympic Games 2012: Wigan

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what he expects the legacy of the 2012 Olympics will be for the Metropolitan borough of Wigan; and if he will make a statement.

Hugh Robertson: As part of the north-west region, Wigan stands to gain from the wide range of opportunities created by the 2012 Games. I therefore refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 245W.
	In addition, I can confirm that at least two companies in Wigan have been awarded contracts in the London 2012 supply chain.
	Details of the Olympic Delivery Authority's (ODA) suppliers are published in the business section of the London 2012 website under the heading ODA Suppliers:
	http://www.london2012.com/business
	Businesses that win work in the supply chains of ODA's contractors, such as the two companies in Wigan, are not public procurements and therefore a comprehensive list of these supply chain contractors is not available. However a number have been identified by the ODA as part of its supply chain research which was published in November last year on the London 2012 website.

Sports: Facilities

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what mechanisms are in place to prevent the sale or redevelopment of community sports facilities other than playing fields.

Hugh Robertson: The sale of community sports facilities are primarily matters for local authorities. Sales by local authorities would be based on proposals by individual local authorities as central government does not determine what assets they may wish to sell.
	Any disposal of an asset (land or building) should be based on a local, robust needs assessment. In the case of a built sports facility, local authorities should only release assets where there is no proven need-a proportion of any revenue saving or capital receipt should be reinvested back into community sports facilities in order to meet customer needs.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Departmental Official Cars

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is on the use by Ministers in his Department of cars allocated from  (a) his Department's pool and  (b) the Government car pool which are manufactured in the UK; whether Ministers in his Department are entitled to request the use of a car manufactured in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Owen Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) uses cars provided by the Government Car and Dispatch Agency as necessary for official ministerial business under guidelines provided by the Cabinet Office. Ministers in the Department are not involved in decisions relating to the origin of manufacture. This is exactly the same arrangement as existed under the previous Administration.

Departmental Official Cars

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Department are entitled to the use of (i) a car with a dedicated driver, (ii) a car from the Government car pool and (iii) a taxi ordered through a departmental account.

Owen Paterson: No civil servant or special adviser in the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is entitled to a car with a dedicated driver. Civil servants and special advisers use public transport where possible but may use a car from the Government Car and Dispatch Agency or a pre-booked taxi when it is necessary to help meet a departmental business need.

Devolution

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the First and Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland on the devolution of further powers to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Owen Paterson: As Secretary of State I have had no discussions with the First and deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland on the devolution of further powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Irish Language: Finance

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what mechanisms the £8 million allocated the development of the Irish language after the Hillsborough Agreement of 4 February 2010 will be disbursed; and what criteria will be used to determine which groups receive assistance from that fund.

Owen Paterson: The previous Government provided £8 million to a charitable trust-the Irish Language Investment Fund-which will make grants to capital projects in support of Irish language development in communities in line with their business plan.

Public Expenditure

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will discuss with the Chancellor of the Exchequer steps to reduce the difference in the per capita level of public expenditure between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Owen Paterson: Most public expenditure in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. The Coalition's programme for government makes clear that the priority must be to reduce the deficit and therefore any change to the devolution funding system must await the stabilisation of the public finances.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

House of Commons Staff: Costs

Andrew Turner: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, answering for the House of Commons Commission how much the House of Commons Service has spent on  (a) staff costs and  (b) other costs in respect of each select committee in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Stuart Bell: Overall costs of select committees in financial year 2009-10 are given in the following table. Details of select committee staff costs and a breakdown of costs by committee for financial year 2009-10 will be placed in the Library. The information will also be published shortly in the Sessional Return for 2009-10 (HC 1).
	
		
			  Select committee costs in FY2009-10 
			  Costs:  £ 
			 Staffing 10,115,595 
			 Printing 2,596,004 
			 Overseas travel 1,057,820 
			 UK travel 150,228 
			 Specialist advisers 322,014 
			 Research, specialist publications 80,933 
			 Transcription of evidence 511,879 
			 Witnesses' expenses 27,186 
			 Entertainment and other minor expenses 19,942 
			 Total 14,881,601

SCOTLAND

Electoral Register

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission on its report on unregistered voters in Scotland.

Michael Moore: I plan to meet the Electoral Commission soon and I expect to discuss a range of matters with them, including electoral registration.

Electoral Register

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department plans to take to reduce the number of unregistered voters in Scotland in response to the recent report by the Electoral Commission; and what discussions he plans to hold with electoral registration officers in Scotland on the matter.

Michael Moore: The Electoral Commission has met with all electoral registration officers in Scotland to discuss the findings of its recent report and to seek improvements in Scotland's registration levels. As a first step, I will be seeking an update on progress on improvements when I meet with the Electoral Commission soon.

Fossil Fuel Levy

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the  (a) Chancellor of the Exchequer and  (b) Chief Secretary to the Treasury on the fossil fuel levy; and what his plans are for the release to Scotland of funding allocated under the scheme.

Michael Moore: I have had numerous discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. The fossil fuel levy issue was raised at the Joint Ministerial Committee Plenary meeting of 8 June 2010. In addition, the Budget of 22 June announced that the Government will review the control and use of accumulated and future revenues from the fossil fuel levy in Scotland.

Future Jobs Fund

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether Ministers in his Department  (a) have had recent discussions and  (b) plan to have discussions with representatives of (i) the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and (ii) Scottish local authorities on the ending of the Future Jobs Fund.

Michael Moore: I met the chief executive and the deputy chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations on 21 June and discussed the Future Jobs Fund, among other things. I have no immediate plans to discuss the Future Jobs Fund with representatives of Scottish local authorities. I had an introductory telephone meeting with Councillor Pat Watters, president of the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities on 22 June. The Future Jobs Fund was not raised at that meeting.

Video Games

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the computer games industry in Scotland on the prospects for that industry;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on the future of the computer games industry in Scotland.

Michael Moore: I have had none. However, as the hon. Member will know, the computer games industry is very important to Scotland's economy and I look forward to meeting representatives of the sector when an appropriate opportunity arises.

TRANSPORT

Crossrail Line

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects construction work on the Crossrail project to be completed.

Theresa Villiers: The planned date for commencement of Crossrail operations remains 2017.

Crossrail Line

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the merits of proposals to reduce the planned length of Crossrail trains.

Theresa Villiers: In order to ensure that the project offers value for money and remains affordable, Crossrail Ltd are considering a number of value management and engineering options as they finalise designs for the scheme. This work has not yet been completed and no formal decisions have been sought from the Crossrail Sponsors on the matter of the planned length of trains.

Departmental Manpower

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) special advisers and  (b) press officers are employed by his Department; and at what Civil Service pay grade in each such case.

Norman Baker: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) A list of special adviser appointments was published by the Prime Minister on 10 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 33-34WS.
	 (b) The number of full-time equivalent staff (FTE) employed on press officer activities on the 1 April 2010 by the Department is set out by grade in the following table.
	
		
			  Staff (FTE) employed on press officer activities on 1 April 2010 
			  Grade( 1)  (equivalent)( 2)  PB2 (AO)  PB3 (EO)  PB4 (HEO)  PB5 (SEO)  PB6 (Grd7)  PB7 (Grd6)  SCSPB1 (Grd5) 
			 DFT(C) 0 0 6 4 2 1 1 
			 DSA 0 2 1 0.5 0 0 0 
			 DVLA 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 
			 GCDA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 HA 0 0 10 4 1 0 0 
			 MCA 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 
			 VCA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 VOSA 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 
			 (1) Grade pay bands of the central Department. (2) Civil service grade equivalent. 
		
	
	The Highways Agency (HA) has seven regional press officers to support its role in operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in each region. These press officers are employed primarily to keep the public informed of roadworks, incidents and events which might affect their journeys.

East Coast Railway Line: Franchises

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of changes to the previously announced timescale for the East Coast rail franchise competition.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 24 June 2010
	Changes to the timescale for the Inter City East Coast franchise competition are still under consideration and a prior information notice will be issued in due course. The estimated cost to the public purse would depend on the final timescale for the competition, and reflect the extent to which the premium that would be paid by a private sector train operator might exceed that agreed with the current East Coast operator.

Railways: Franchises

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of suspending the  (a) Essex Thameside and  (b) Greater Anglia rail franchise competition;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse from  (a) loss of or delay to premium payments and  (b) compensation payments to bidding companies arising from suspension of the competition for (i) the Essex Thameside and (ii) Greater Anglia rail franchise.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 24 June 2010
	The two franchise extensions will have a theoretical opportunity cost caused by foregoing the higher premium/lower subsidy expected if the franchises were re-competed instead of extended. This is difficult to quantify, because assumptions need to be made about the likely prices from new bidders versus the cost of extending with incumbents. The opportunity cost arising from the delay to replacing franchises was estimated to be £6 million for Essex Tameside and £18 million for Greater Anglia. However, we believe that including the two franchises in the reformed system, on which we will be consulting shortly, will yield benefits for passengers and facilitate investment in the railways which will outweigh these costs.
	In accordance with our accreditation process as advised to bidders the Department does not expect to have cause to incur compensation.

Railways: Franchises

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the new franchise agreements for the Eastern Region Railway will require the operator to invest in fixed assets, with particular reference to Great Yarmouth railway station.

Theresa Villiers: We have announced a consultation exercise on future policy on rail franchising. Following that it is planned to restart the competition for the Greater Anglia competition later this year. Bidders are likely to be encouraged to develop proposals that deliver better trains, stations and services. Assessing the best way to encourage private sector investment in station improvement will form an important part of the upcoming rail franchise consultation.

Railways: Overcrowding

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on the extent of overcrowding on the 20 most crowded rail services.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport holds passenger count data for rail services arriving into London and major regional cities during the peak commuter periods in autumn 2009. A list of the most crowded rail services is not routinely produced by the Department.
	Crowding statistics based on the autumn 2009 passenger count data will be published at an aggregated level in the Office of Rail Regulation's National Rail Trends Yearbook in July 2010.

Railways: Passengers

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the change in the number of passengers that will be carried on each rail franchise over the next  (a) five,  (b) 10,  (c) 15 and  (d) 20 years.

Theresa Villiers: No estimate has been made of the change in the number of passengers that will be carried on each rail franchise over these periods.

Road Traffic

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage change in traffic levels  (a) on English roads and  (b) on roads in each county within England was in each year since 1997, taking 1997 levels as the baseline.

Michael Penning: Tables showing percentage changes in traffic volumes for all motor vehicles on all roads for  (a) English roads and  (b) each local authority in England have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
	The figures provided in the tables are for the period 1997-2009. Table 1 shows estimated traffic for all motor vehicles, table 2 shows the percentage change from 1997 and table 3 shows year on year percentage changes.
	Road traffic estimates are produced by using a consistent national methodology which is mainly designed to deliver national level estimates. Traffic figures at local authority level are less robust than the regional and national totals and are not classed as national statistics. Some discontinuities exist in the data between various years for certain local authorities.

Transport: Renewable Energy

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has retained the target of 10% of transport energy coming from renewable sources by 2020.

Norman Baker: The Government's Coalition agreement contained a commitment to
	"seek to increase the target for energy from renewable sources, subject to the advice of the Climate Change Committee".
	Currently, we are working towards transposing the EU renewable energy directive (RED), which requires member states to source 10% transport energy from renewables by 2020. This target was agreed in 2009 and is part of a wider requirement to source 15% of overall energy from renewables by 2020.
	Options for achieving our renewable energy in transport targets are being considered, and a formal consultation will take place in due course.

Transport: Sustainable Development

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to build a modern and sustainable transport system in  (a) West Sussex and  (b) Mid Sussex.

Norman Baker: holding answer 24 June 2010
	The Department for Transport is focused on building a modern and sustainable transport system. This will contribute to future economic growth of all parts of England including in West Sussex and Mid Sussex.
	Following the Spending Review we will be reviewing priorities for the transport network, including those in West Sussex and Mid Sussex.

Travel: Greater London

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's most recent estimate is of average city centre to city centre journey times by  (a) road and  (b) rail between London and (i) Manchester, (ii) Sheffield and (iii) Leeds.

Michael Penning: The information requested is as follows:
	 Journeys by Road
	During the 12 month period from September 2008 to August 2009, the estimated average daytime journey times between London city centre and Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds city centres were as follows:
	
		
			  Destination from London (Trafalgar Square)  Average journey time (hours: minutes) 
			 Manchester (Royal Exchange) 4:15 
			 Sheffield (Town Hall) 3:33 
			 Leeds (Shopping Plaza) 4:02 
		
	
	 Journeys by Rail
	Information on actual journey times on the railway network is not held by the Department. However, the most recent typical weekday advertised journey times from London to Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds are as follows:
	
		
			  Journey  Typical weekday advertised journey time (hours: minutes) 
			 London Euston-Manchester Piccadilly 2:09 
			 London St Pancras-Sheffield Station 2:09 
			 London Kings Cross-Leeds Station 2:26 
		
	
	It should be noted that the road and rail journey times are not directly comparable. The average road journey times include delayed journeys, whereas the rail journey times provided are advertised journey times and therefore do not account for delayed journeys. Additionally, rail journey times do not incorporate travel time between the city centre and the railway station.

DEFENCE

Armed Forces: Casualties

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the repatriation of bodies of soldiers killed in action after the closure of RAF Lyneham.

Nick Harvey: A study is under way to determine the most suitable location for repatriations once flying operations cease at RAF Lyneham in September 2011. A final decision will be made later this year.

Armed Forces: Rescue Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained Royal Air Force search and rescue pilots have served on operations  (a) in Afghanistan and  (b) elsewhere overseas in the last five years.

Nick Harvey: A total of 21 trained RAF Search and Rescue pilots have served in Afghanistan during the last five years. Information on the total number of Search and Rescue pilots who have served overseas is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Search and Rescue Force operates a service in the UK and Falkland Islands only; those serving in Afghanistan and other overseas locations have flown in a non Search and Rescue role.

Armed Forces: Rescue Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the incremental cost of retraining an armed forces helicopter pilot for a search and rescue role.

Nick Harvey: To retrain an armed forces helicopter pilot for a search and rescue role requires completion of two courses: the Search and Rescue Training Unit ab-initio pilot course; and the Search and Rescue Operational Conversion Unit. The total cost of these courses is just over £1 million.

Armed Forces: Rescue Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the running costs, excluding asset depreciation, of the Royal Air Force search and rescue service were in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Nick Harvey: The total costs, excluding asset depreciation, of the Air Rescue Coordination Centre, the RAF Sea King Search and Rescue force and the RAF mountain rescue service for the financial year 2009-10 was £62.26 million.
	In addition, 84 Squadron RAF provides Search and Rescue services in Cyprus using contractor owned helicopters. The contract cost for financial year 2009-10 was £3.6 million.

Armed Forces: Rescue Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanisms there are to recover from  (a) other Departments,  (b) local authorities,  (c) insurance companies and  (d) individuals the cost of calling out Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopters; and how much has been recovered in such payments in the last five years.

Nick Harvey: No charges are made for responding to incidents involving imminent danger to human life. This is the case for the majority of Search and Rescue activity. Charges are raised for other occasions where RAF SAR units provide assistance to Government Departments and local health trusts. No charges are raised against individuals or insurance companies.
	The amount recovered from other Government Departments in respect of RAF SAR call-outs each of the last five years is:
	
		
			  Financial year  £ million 
			 2005-06 0.977 
			 2006-07 1.090 
			 2007-08 0.818 
			 2008-09 1.213 
			 2009-10 0.985

Armed Forces: Rescue Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) civilians and  (b) members of the armed forces were (i) rescued and (ii) evacuated by Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopters (A) in the UK, (B) from UK waters and (C) elsewhere in each of the last five years.

Nick Harvey: Not all of the information is held in the format requested. Records are only held for combined numbers of people rescued and bodies recovered and the term evacuation is not used by the RAF in this context. Additionally, the locations of rescue operations are recorded by land, coast and maritime categories. The available information is provided in the following tables:
	
		
			   Civilian-Rescue/Recovery  Military-Rescue/Recovery 
			   Land  Coast  Maritime  Total  Land  Coast  Maritime  Total 
			  UK SAR Operations 2005-09 
			 2005 416 250 125 791 18 3 4 25 
			 2006 390 272 184 846 10 4 2 16 
			 2007 692 226 188 1106 16 2 8 26 
			 2008 577 169 188 934 17 0 4 21 
			 2009 708 210 99 1017 11 0 3 14 
			  
			  Overseas SAR Operations 2005-09 
			 2005 0 0 3 3 17 0 3 20 
			 2006 11 31 4 46 8 0 3 11 
			 2007 5 0 10 15 16 0 2 18 
			 2008 8 1 8 17 26 1 2 29 
			 2009 12 3 12 27 18 0 3 21

Chiefs of Staff

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of accommodation for the  (a) Chief of the Defence Staff and  (b) Chief of the General Staff in the last 12 months.

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of accommodation for the Chief of the Air Staff in the last 12 months.

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of accommodation for the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in the last 12 months.

Andrew Robathan: An essential part of the role of the 'Chiefs' requires them to host guests in support of departmental and wider Government objectives. As a consequence, the posts are entitled to occupy Official Service Residences. The following table shows the amount of rent paid in 2008-09, the latest year for which figures are available.
	
		
			  Post  Rent (£) 
			 Chief of the Defence Staff 19,995 
			 Vice Chief of the Defence Staff 19,995 
			 Chief of the General Staff 108,408 
			 Chief of the Air Staff 49,140

Chiefs of Staff

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces are employed in the household of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces are employed in the household of  (a) the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff,  (b) the First Sea Lord and  (c) the Chief of the Air Staff.

Andrew Robathan: Service staff who are retained in official service residences contribute to upholding the traditions and military ethos of the armed forces. Their duties are varied and include supervision of staff, receiving of guests, as well as dining room support. The following table lists the number of armed forces personnel employed in the official service residences of the requested group:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Chief of the Defence Staff 3 
			 Vice Chief of the Defence of Staff 1 
			 The First Sea Lord 4 
			 The Chief of the Air Staff 2 
		
	
	Expenditure relating to official service residences is kept under close scrutiny. When it is practical to do so, staff from other residences are employed in support of a function to maximise use of resources.

Chiefs of Staff

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the cost to the public purse of staffing the outer office of the  (a) chief of the general staff,  (b) chief of the air staff,  (c) First Sea Lord,  (d) chief of the Defence staff and  (e) vice-chief of the Defence staff.

Andrew Robathan: An estimate of the costs to the public purse of staffing the outer offices was conducted in the autumn of 2009 and was based on a generic salary rate of the staff at that time.
	The salary costs for the private office of the chief of Defence staff are approximately £500,000 per annum.
	The vice-chief of the defence staff has a shared private office with the 2nd Permanent Under Secretary. The combined salary costs for their joint private office staff are approximately £537,000 per annum.
	The private offices of the 1st Sea Lord, the chief of the general staff and chief of the air staff are structured in a similar way. The salary costs for each of the private offices for this group are approximately £416,000 per annum.

Chiefs of Staff

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel are employed in the outer office of the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff.

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel are employed in the outer office of the Chief of the General Staff.

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel are employed in the outer office of the  (a) First Sea Lord and  (b) Chief of the Air Staff.

Andrew Robathan: In order to minimise the staff overhead associated with each role, where possible, staff have joint responsibilities and are interchangeable. The vice-chief of defence staff shares a Private Office with the 2nd Permanent Under-Secretary.
	The following table lists the numbers of military personnel employed in the Private Offices of the requested group:
	
		
			  Military personnel 
			  Private Office  Number 
			 Vice Chief of the Defence Staff 6 
			 1st Sea Lord 6 
			 Chief of the General Staff 6 
			 Chief of the Air Staff 6

Chiefs of Staff

Albert Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of the entertainment budget of the chief of the Defence staff in each of the last three years.

Andrew Robathan: Official entertainment offered by the chief of the Defence staff is used to give the public a better understanding of the armed forces, to enhance professional contacts within the UK and abroad, and to promote the UK Government's wider policy interests.
	Due consideration is given, at all times, to whether that official entertainment is necessary, appropriate, cost-effective and an admissible charge against the defence budget.
	The total cost of entertainment of the chief of defence staff in each of the last three years was:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 4,400 
			 2008-09 3,600 
			 2009-10 3,200

Chiefs of Staff

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many domestic helicopter flights were taken by the First Sea Lord in the last 12 months;
	(2)  how many domestic helicopter flights were taken by the Chief of the Air Staff in the last 12 months;
	(3)  how many domestic helicopter flights were taken by the Chief of the General Staff in the last 12 months;
	(4)  how many domestic helicopter flights were taken by the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in the last 12 months.

Sandra Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many domestic helicopter flights were taken by the Chief of the Defence Staff in the last 12 months.

Liam Fox: The following table lists the number of domestic helicopter flights taken by this group during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Chief of the Defence Staff 35 
			 Vice Chief of the Defence Staff 22 
			 1st Sea Lord 14 
			 Chief of the General Staff 146 
			 Chief of the Air Staff 41 
		
	
	Visiting UK forces is an essential part of the role of the professional heads of the services. The use of helicopters maximises the number of visits that can be made. Helicopter flights also provide valuable training opportunities for aircrew.

Defence: Procurement

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on re-evaluating existing defence procurement programmes by staff at Defence Equipment and Support in the latest year for which information is available; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: Programmes handled by Defence Equipment and Support are regularly reviewed against their performance, time and cost targets. In addition, as part of the review of public spending commitments made by the last Government between 1 January 2010 and the General Election, a number of projects have been re-assessed to ensure that they offer good value for money and are consistent with the Government's priorities. This was conducted as part of normal business and costs are not separately identifiable.
	As part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, defence programmes will continue to be reviewed.

Defence: Procurement

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  whether he plans to streamline the process for defence procurement overseen by Defence Equipment and Support;
	(2)  what changes he plans to the procedures governing defence procurement projects; and what assessment he has made of the likely effect of such changes on Defence Equipment and Support at Abbey Wood.

Peter Luff: The Department has an ongoing acquisition reform agenda. As well as ensuring the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) establishes an affordable equipment and support programme, the reforms are designed to ensure it remains strategically-aligned, affordable and achievable, including by improving internal skills, management and decision-making. The acquisition reform programme also includes issues such as refreshing Ministry of Defence's overall relationship with industry, and ensuring that acquisition supports other Defence priorities such as safety and sustainable development.
	We will review acquisition reform further after the SDSR completes.

Departmental Manpower

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in jobs dependent on expenditure by his Department in  (a) England,  (b) Wales,  (c) Northern Ireland and  (d) Scotland in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10.

Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) no longer compiles estimates of sub-UK employment relating to equipment and non equipment in UK industry and commerce as they do not directly support policy making or operations. The last estimates for 2007-08 were published in "UK Defence Statistics" in September 2009. As a result, the complex data analysis required to produce the underlying regional expenditure data is no longer performed. A comparable time series beyond 2007-08 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department continues to publish figures relating to MOD staff directly employed at MOD establishments and bases located across the United Kingdom. The latest available figures for 2008 and 2009 are presented in the following table:
	
		
			   UK regular forces strength( 1, 4)  Civilian strength( 2,) ( 3, 4) 
			   April 2008  April 2009  April 2008  April 2009 
			 United Kingdom 158,660 162,710 72,900 70,620 
			  Of which: 
			 England 140,310 143,580 62,590 60,860 
			 Wales 2,640 2,720 2,170 2,010 
			 Northern Ireland 3,740 4,390 2,150 1,890 
			 Scotland 11,970 12,020 5,990 5,860 
			 (1) UK regular forces include all trained and untrained personnel and exclude Gurkhas, full-time reserve service personnel and mobilised reservists.  (2) Civilian personnel includes Trading Fund staff and exclude RFAs and LECs.  (3) Measured as full-time equivalent (FTE). FTE is a measure of the size of the work force that takes account of the fact that some people work part-time.  (4) Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Departmental Ministerial Advisers

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many special advisers  (a) he and  (b) each named Minister in his Department (i) has appointed to date and (ii) plans to appoint.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) political appointments and  (b) other personal appointments he has made since his appointment; and at what estimated annual cost to the public purse.

Liam Fox: I refer the hon. Members to the written statement given by the Prime Minister on 10 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 33-34WS.

Departmental Official Residences

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any domestic properties in the gift of the Government have been allocated to the use of Ministers in his Department.

Liam Fox: No domestic properties in the gift of the Government have been allocated to the use of Ministers in the Department.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on  (a) equipment,  (b) non-equipment expenditure,  (c) service personnel and  (d) civil personnel in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Northern Ireland, (iv) Scotland and (v) overseas in (A) 2008-09 and (B) 2009-10.

Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) no longer compiles estimates of expenditure at the sub-UK areas described in (i) to (iv) on equipment, non-equipment, or personnel costs as they do not directly support policy making or operations. The last estimates relate to 2007-08.
	As a result, the complex data analysis required to produce the underlying sub-UK expenditure data is no longer performed. A comparable time series beyond 2007-08 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Numbers of MOD personnel at sub UK level are available but the associated expenditure is no longer assembled at this level. The personnel numbers are provided in an answer I have given you today.
	In relation to (v), estimates for 2008-09 are not releasable until the publication of "UK Defence Statistics" in late September 2010.
	The MOD continues to report spend on procurement in the "UK Defence Statistics"
	http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2009/ukds.html
	This annual report presents the MOD procurement of goods and services in the UK broken out by industry sector and estimates of aggregate MOD equipment expenditure.

European Defence Agency

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the chief executive of the European Defence Agency on the UK's relationship with the Agency; and if he will make a statement.

Gerald Howarth: holding answer 24 June 2010
	The Secretary of State for Defence has not yet had any discussions with the chief executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA). The Ministry of Defence will continue to participate in the EDA but, as part of the work on the Strategic Defence and Security Review, is reviewing all aspects of defence engagement with international institutions, including the EDA, to ensure that it matches the UK's priorities and interests.

Navy: Officers

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers at each rank of One Star and above there are in the Royal Navy.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 23 June 2010
	As at 1 April 2010, the number of officers of one star rank and above in the Naval Service, including the Royal Marines, was:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Commodore/Brigadier 84 
			 Rear Admiral/Major General 29 
			 Vice Admiral/Lieutenant General 9 
			 Admiral/General 2

Red Arrows

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what forward contractual obligations for future public appearances the Red Arrows have undertaken; and what financial penalties are liable to be incurred for breach of each such contract.

Nick Harvey: The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team known as the Red Arrows, does not enter into a contractual obligation to display at any event. Therefore, no financial penalties can be incurred for non-appearance at events.

Red Arrows

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the running costs, excluding asset depreciation, of the Red Arrows were in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how much the Royal Air Force received in  (a) sponsorship,  (b) appearance fees and  (c) other payments in respect of the Red Arrows in that period.

Nick Harvey: Officials are collating the information requested. I will write to the hon. Member when this work is complete and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to answer question 376, on departmental public appointments, tabled on 27 May 2010.

Liam Fox: I replied to the hon. Member today.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Trade Unions

David Anderson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what plans the Government Equalities Office has to consult trade unions concerning deficit reduction plans.

Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has already informed, in writing, the trade union representatives within the GEO about possible deficit reductions.

PRIME MINISTER

Afghanistan

John Spellar: To ask the Prime Minister how many journalists travelled with him on his recent flight to Afghanistan.

David Cameron: In line with established practice, all the main news organisations are invited to accompany me on official overseas visits as and when appropriate.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Subsidies

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many  (a) overpayments and  (b) underpayments were made by the Rural Payments Agency in each of the last five years.

James Paice: holding answer 2 June 2010
	Overpayments are defined as cases where farmers received more than their entitlement-identified through post payment corrections, inspections or queries. Underpayments are defined as all instances where farmers did not receive their full, finally calculated entitlement prior to the 30 June closure of the payment window for each scheme year.
	Individual claimants may have overpayments in some years and underpayments in others, so an overall position is calculated. As at 4 June 2010 there were 3,596 farmers with an overpayment across 2005 to 2009 scheme years (England only) that are being confirmed for recovery. Overpayments below £250 per scheme year are de minimis.
	All outstanding underpayments are released on confirmation as a matter of policy and are not subject to a de minimis threshold. As at 4 June 2010 there were 6,159 farmers identified as being in an underpayment position across 2005 to 2009 scheme years (England only), with 4,013 less than £1,000.
	Overpayments and underpayments made by the Rural Payments Agency in each of the last five years (England only) were:
	
		
			  Scheme year  Overpayments  Underpayments  Number of farmers 
			 2005 18,901 49,708 68,609 
			 2006 11,400 29,481 40,881 
			 2007 7,596 10,741 18,337 
			 2008 3,211 6,456 9,667 
			 2009(1) 405 14 419 
			 (1) The 2009 scheme year payment window closes on 30 June; therefore this is a preliminary figure.

Food: EU Trade

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Food Standards Agency has made representations to the European Commission to upgrade its TRACES import and export certification database to include data on foodstuffs not of animal origin.

Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply.
	We have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that representations have not been made to the European Commission to include foodstuffs not of animal origin consignments on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) database. The current issue relating to the import of food of non-animal origin is the application of official controls to certain high risk products from certain third countries, for the purpose of public health protection. The list of countries and products requiring control is reviewed by the Commission quarterly. Where any food of non-animal origin, presents a major public health issue, then the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is used by member states. For other imported products not of animal origin, where routine official controls detect any problems, these will be reported to the Commission. Food exported from the United Kingdom should meet the requirements of European food law.

Water Charges: VAT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate has been made of the effect of the proposed increase in value added tax on the water bills of an average earning household in  (a) England,  (b) the North East and  (c) Newcastle Central constituency.

David Gauke: I have been asked to reply.
	The supply of water to domestic properties is VAT zero-rated, and there will therefore be no impact as a result of the recently announced rise in the standard rate of VAT.

EDUCATION

Academies: Dudley

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent discussions he has had with Dudley metropolitan borough council on participation in the academies programme; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Secretary of State has not held any recent discussions with Dudley metropolitan borough council about the academies programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when his review of school capital funding will be completed; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: In the context of the budget deficit, the Government are reviewing all expenditure. The Department has not taken any decisions on the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  whether he plans to change the allocation of £26 million pounds to build a new academy in North West Durham constituency under the Building Schools for the Future programme;
	(2)  when he expects to answer question 2454, on the Building Schools for the Future Programme, tabled on 10 June 2010.

Nick Gibb: holding answers 16 and 28 June 2010
	In the context of the budget deficit, the Government are reviewing all expenditure. The Department has not taken any decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the Building Schools for the Future programme in Tamworth; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: In the context of the budget deficit, the Government are reviewing all expenditure. The Department has not taken any decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Coventry

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received on the Building Schools for the Future programme from  (a) Coventry city council,  (b) bodies and charities in Coventry and  (c) residents of Coventry.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 23 June 2010
	In the context of the budget deficit, the Government are reviewing all expenditure. The Department has not taken any decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Childline: Finance

Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his plans are for future funding of Childline.

Tim Loughton: All Government spend will be reviewed as part of the Spending Review, announced by the Chancellor on 8 June 2010.

Children in Care: Cheshire

Edward Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children were in care in the former Cheshire county council area in each of the last five years.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 21 June 2010
	The requested information is available as part of Statistical First Release: Children Looked After in England (including adoption and care leavers) year ending 31 March 2009. This can be accessed via the Department's website at:
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000878/index.shtml
	Table LAA1 gives information on the number of looked after children aged under 18 for each local authority for the years 2005 to 2009. This can be found in the excel link titled (1st set of additional tables).

Departmental Contracts

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what contracts his Department has entered into with external consultants since the Government came into office; and what the  (a) name of the consultants,  (b) terms of reference of the work,  (c) monetary value of the contract and  (d) expected date of completion of the work is in each case.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 28 June 2010
	Using the Department's Resource Management System to identify consultancy purchase order information no consultancy contracts were identified as having been entered into since the Government came into office (11 May 2010). However, the Department operates in a devolved manner so information on those consultancy contracts which may have been entered into but not yet recorded on the Resource Management System is not held centrally.
	In terms of the Department's NDPBs and agencies consultancy engagements, records of these were not retained centrally prior to the introduction of the freeze on consultancy spend. However, the Department has not approved any requests for consultancy from its NDPBs or agencies since the freeze came into effect on 24 May 2010.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many special advisers  (a) he and  (b) each named Minister in his Department (i) has appointed to date and (ii) plans to appoint.

Michael Gove: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, on 3 June 2010,  Official Report, column 99W.

Departmental Official Cars

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on the use by Ministers in his Department of cars allocated from  (a) his Department's pool and  (b) the Government car pool which are manufactured in the UK; whether Ministers in his Department are entitled to request the use of a car manufactured in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Gove: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 290W.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many officials in his Department are working on renegotiating contracts for the supply of goods and services to the Department as a result of recently announced reductions in public spending; what savings are expected to accrue to his Department from such renegotiations; how much expenditure his Department will incur on such renegotiations; and when such renegotiations will be completed.

Tim Loughton: We are in the process of identifying potential contracts from which savings can be made through renegotiation. This activity is being undertaken by various officials throughout my Department and the number of officials varies from day to day. Therefore, an accurate number of officials working on renegotiation activities could only be provided at disproportionate costs. The amount of expenditure my department will incur in renegotiating contracts and the savings accrued will not be known until the scale of the activity is determined.
	Following this preparatory work a project plan will be produced detailing the costs and benefits along with a schedule of activity. We aim to complete the savings exercise by the end of the financial year.

Departmental Reorganisation

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the cost to the public purse was of  (a) signage changes and  (b) other measures involved in renaming his Department.

Tim Loughton: The cost of renaming the Department was £5,250. In addition, it cost £2,250 to update our website, £1,404 for signage and £91 for stationery with the new brand.

Foster Care

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what level of kinship care payments are made in each local authority in England.

Tim Loughton: holding answer 28 June 2010
	Information about the level of kinship care payments made in each local authority in England is not collected centrally.

Grammar Schools

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on the creation of grammar school places.

Nick Gibb: The Government do not intend to increase the number of grammar schools.

Schools: Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department  (a) has taken recently and  (b) plans to take to reduce levels of anti-Semitism in schools; what recent discussions Ministers and officials in his Department have had on this issue; what representations he has received on this issue since his appointment; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Schools are currently under statutory duties to put in place measures to prevent and tackle all forms of discrimination and bullying; and provide an environment where all pupils feel safe and are able to learn and achieve. This Government take very seriously the issue of anti-Semitism and is clear there is no place for it in ours schools.
	The Department's officials will continue to attend meetings of the Cross-Whitehall Group on anti-Semitism and ensure our future plans for reforming schools and tackling bullying consider steps to reducing levels of anti-Semitism in schools.

Schools: Management

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he plans to bring forward proposals to amend the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to apply its provisions to free schools.

Sarah Teather: holding answer 28 June 2010
	The Disability Discrimination Act will be repealed in October when the Equality Act 2010 is due to come into force and will replace all existing equality legislation. Maintained and independent schools, and academies, are all covered by the specific education provisions in the Equality Act. It is planned that free schools will be set up as academies which means that they will already be covered by the education provisions and no changes will be required.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Disability Living Allowance

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what form the medical assessment for disability living allowance claimants to be introduced in 2013-14 will take; how much work will be required of GPs and designated medical practitioners in undertaking such assessments; whether there will be exemptions to the requirement to be so assessed; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to the level of disability living allowance proposed in the 2010 Budget on existing recipients of that allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Miller: The Budget announced that we would introduce a new objective assessment for disability living allowance from 2013-14. The design of the new assessment is at the early stages, but will take account of experience from the introduction of the work capability assessment. We will also wish to work with a range of interested stakeholders and disabled people in developing a robust and fair approach.
	In keeping with its commitment to protect people in the most vulnerable situations, Budget 2010 also announced that the Government would not be taking back the 1.5% increase that was given to disability living allowance recipients last year. Instead the rates of this benefit will be increased by the Consumer Prices Index in 2011 and beyond, which is the most widely recognised measure of price inflation.

Employment and Support Allowance: Bexley

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency have applied for employment and support allowance since its creation; and how many of those applications have been refused.

Chris Grayling: Data on the number of Employment and Support Allowance claims in Bexleyheath and Crayford is not available.
	However, this data is available for the London borough of Bexley local authority area, which covers Bexleyheath and Crayford. The following table presents all employment and support allowance claims received in Bexley between October 2008 and August 2009 and their outcomes. These figures exclude the small number of clerical claims where the outcome is not recorded electronically.
	
		
			  Employment and support allowance claims received in Bexley between October 2008 and August 2009 
			   Number 
			 Support Group 100 
			 Work-related Group 200 
			 Fit for Work 500 
			 Claim closed before assessment complete 500 
			 In progress as at August 2009 100 
			 Total 1,400 
		
	
	The Department for Work and Pensions regularly publishes official statistics on the Work Capability Assessment. The statistics were last updated in April 2010 and published in the report "Employment and Support Allowance: Work Capability Assessment: Official Statistics: April 2010", a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The information is also available on the internet at the following address:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/esa_wca_arc.asp

Energy: Prices

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in  (a) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency,  (b) the London borough of Bexley,  (c) Greater London and  (d) England who are eligible for a rebate under the Energy Rebate Scheme.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available in the format requested.
	Under the Energy Rebate Scheme a person will be eligible for a rebate on their electricity account if, on 26 March 2010, they or their partner were aged 70 or over and receiving only the guarantee credit element of pension credit and satisfied the electric supply criteria.
	The number of households with someone aged 70 or over and receiving only the guarantee credit element of pension credit is shown in the following table. People will qualify for a rebate if they or their partner were responsible for paying the electricity bill where they live and were not on a social or discounted tariff from their electricity supplier.
	
		
			  Area  Number of households as at November 2009 
			 Bexleyheath and Crayford 420 
			 London Borough of Bexley 1,170 
			 Greater London 80,120 
			 England 324,550 
			  Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Parliamentary constituency of claimant (Westminster). These constituencies are used for the Westminster Parliament for May 2010. 3. Household is defined here as the number of individuals or couples in receipt of Pension Credit and equates to a "benefit unit". (Since 2006 same-sex partners-civil partners and cohabiters are included in the same benefit unit.) Two individuals who are not partners but live in the same house will be counted as separate households; for example two sisters, each receiving Pension Credit in their own right, sharing a house together would be counted as two households. 4. This information is published on the Nomis website at: www.nomisweb.co.uk  Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data

Jobseeker's Allowance: Dewsbury

Simon Reevell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Dewsbury constituency claimed jobseeker's allowance in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated June 2010:
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people in Dewsbury constituency claimed jobseeker's allowance in each of the last five years. (4356)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number of claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre Plus administrative system. Table 1 shows the number of persons claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for May of each of the last 5 years.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of persons claiming jobseeker's allowance resident in Dewsbury parliamentary constituency 
			  As at May each year  Number 
			 2006 1,402 
			 2007 1,405 
			 2008 1,399 
			 2009 2,766 
			 2010 2,613 
			  Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system

Pensioners: Poverty

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to reduce the number of pensioners living in poverty in Wales.

Steve Webb: We will restore the earnings link for the basic state pension from April 2011, with a 'triple guarantee' that pensions are raised by the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%. We will also protect key benefits for older people such as the winter fuel payment, free television licences, free bus travel, and free eye tests and prescriptions.
	We want to ensure that older people receive the help that they are entitled to. We aim to simplify the benefit system and as a first step we will be looking to conduct a research study into the feasibility of using existing data to help to improve the take-up of pension credit.
	We will help prevent people from falling into poverty in later life by simplifying the rules and regulations relating to pensions to help reinvigorate occupational pensions. We will encourage companies to offer high-quality pensions to all employees and will work with businesses and the industry to support auto enrolment.

Poverty: Children

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of children living in poverty, reckoning in the proposed increase in value added tax,  (a) before housing costs and  (b) after housing costs in each year to 2014-15.

Maria Miller: The Budget announced a package of reforms to: support low and middle-income earners; tackle welfare dependency and unaffordable spending; and support the most vulnerable. This included measures to better target support on low income families including increase in the personal tax allowance and a £2 billion above indexation increase in the child tax credit.
	The Budget protects poor families and will have no measurable impact on child poverty in the next two years. The increase in value-added tax will have no impact on children in relative low income poverty as value-added tax is a tax on expenditure and not on income.

Poverty: Children

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of children in measured income poverty  (a) before housing costs and  (b) after housing costs in each year to 2014-15.

Maria Miller: The Budget announced a package of reforms to: support low and middle-income earners; tackle welfare dependency and unaffordable spending; and support the most vulnerable. Measures announced in the Budget will have no significant negative impact on child poverty in the next two years.
	For example, some of the savings from the freeze on child benefit, will be recycled to increase the child tax credit by an additional £150 above indexation in 2011-12 and £60 above indexation in 2012-13 enhancing support for low-income families.
	Section 14 of the coalition document confirms the Government's commitment to ending child poverty in the UK.
	The Child Poverty Act commits Government to meeting targets towards ending child poverty by 2020, and to publishing a strategy to show how it will meet these targets by March 2011.
	We will develop a robust strategy which tackles the root causes of poverty. It is only by doing this that we can effectively improve the outcomes for children in a sustainable way.
	The Government's strategy will focus on all aspects of child poverty. Frank Field MP has been asked to lead a review into poverty, including how to measure and make progress on non-financial elements of poverty.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the Financial Statement of 22 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 116-30, what estimate he has made of the savings arising from each measure announced in respect of each disability benefit in the next five years.

Maria Miller: The available information is in the following tables.
	
		
			  Impact of changes to uprating of disability benefits 
			  £ million, nominal 
			   2011-12  2012-13  2013-14  2014-15 
			 Disability Living Allowance 15 -90 -240 -420 
			 Attendance Allowance 5 -40 -105 -180 
			 Incapacity Benefit -75 -80 -95 0 
			 Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) -35 -50 -75 -105 
			 Employment and Support Allowance (Contribution Based) -35 -50 -75 -210 
			 Severe Disablement Allowance -15 -15 -20 -25 
			 Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit 0 -5 -15 -25 
			 Income Support (Sick and Disabled) -70 -65 -55 -25 
			 Total -205 -400 -680 -990 
			  Notes: 1. The estimates cover the impact of: (a) not reducing uprating in April 2011 by the 1.5% that was paid from April 2010, which had been assumed in previous plans to be clawed back; and (b) changing the price index for uprating from the Retail Prices Index or the Rossi index to the Consumer Prices Index with effect from the April 2011 uprating. 2. Full estimates of savings are only available up to 2014-15 at present. 3. Estimates are consistent with Economic Assumptions from Budget 22 June 2010. 4. The forecast assumes that the planned reassessment of people on incapacity benefits will be completed by March 2014. 5. Figures are shown to the nearest £5 million and therefore may not sum due to rounding. 6. Figures are for Great Britain only.  Source: DWP calculations. 
		
	
	
		
			  Savings from reform of  disability living allowance  assessment 
			  £ million, nominal 
			   Total 
			 2011-12 - 
			 2012-13 - 
			 2013-14 -350 
			 2014-15 -1,040 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are for Great Britain only. 2. Estimates of savings are only available up to 2014-15 at present.  Source: DWP calculations

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Departmental Public Expenditure

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many of his Department's contracts with its suppliers are under review as a result of the recently announced reductions in public expenditure; and what the monetary value is of all such contracts which are under review.

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change is currently analysing all contracts with its top 100 suppliers (by value). On completion of this exercise a strategy will be developed to determine which contracts can be renegotiated. As this exercise is still ongoing there are no figures available for contracts under review.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his Department are working on renegotiating contracts for the supply of goods and services to the Department as a result of recently announced reductions in public spending; what savings are expected to accrue to his Department from such renegotiations; how much expenditure his Department will incur on such renegotiations; and when such renegotiations will be completed.

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change is currently analysing ail contracts with its top 100 suppliers (by value). On completion of this exercise a strategy will be developed to determine which contracts can be renegotiated. Therefore at the present time it cannot be determined how many DECC officials will be working on renegotiating contracts and what cost savings are expected. Any renegotiation work is expected to be handled by existing contract mangers. At this stage it is not possible to determine when contract renegotiations will be complete.

Energy Subsidy Reform

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what contribution his Department made to the Joint Report of the International Energy Authority, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Bank on energy subsidy reform.

Charles Hendry: The report was commissioned by the G20 at the Pittsburgh Summit and was produced independently by the international organisations.

Energy: Billing

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the proportion of the average household energy bill attributable to contributions for production subsidies.

Charles Hendry: holding answer 28 June 2010
	The only subsidy for the production of electricity generation capacity currently reflected in energy bills is the renewables obligation, which Ofgem estimates to account for 3% of current average household electricity bills.

Radioactive Waste: Waste Management

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he plans to take steps to increase the amount of information available to the public about the safety of nuclear waste disposal.

Charles Hendry: Detailed information about the safety of nuclear waste disposal is already publicly available and the Government are committed to maintaining this position and making such information as openly available and accessible as possible. The Department is currently considering how it can provide increased visibility of the programme to implement geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste including the possibility of a published timeline and milestones.
	Following nearly three years of extensive consideration, the independent Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) gathered and published sufficient evidence to include geological disposal of higher activity waste as the key element of their package of recommendations to Government in 2006. Geological disposal is internationally recognised as the preferred approach to deal with higher activity waste and is being adopted in many countries as well as being supported by a number of UK learned societies including the Royal Society, the Geological Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Detailed information from CoRWM's consideration of the options is available at:
	www.corwm.org.uk/Pages/Lnk_pages/key_issues.aspx#recommendations
	In setting out how geological disposal will be implemented, the Department has set up a dedicated website:
	http://mrws.decc.gov.uk/
	which provides, or links to, information at various levels of detail and which is intended to be accessible and helpful to people from nontechnical backgrounds through to experts. This includes links to waste management organisations in other countries who are tackling similar issues and to international expert bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency.
	The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has been given responsibility for implementing geological disposal and will shortly be publishing "Geological Disposal: Steps towards implementation" setting out the preparatory work already undertaken, as well as explaining how the outputs of its work programme are designed to achieve a safe, secure, sustainable and publicly acceptable outcome. This will be available at:
	www.nda.gov.uk/aboutus/geological-disposal/index.cfm
	A geological disposal facility will be regulated by the Statutory Regulators who are working together to make sure that any future facility meets the required high standards for environmental protection, safety, security, waste management and radioactive waste transportation. Information on this is available from their joint website at:
	www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/111766.aspx
	In 2009, following public consultation, the environment agencies also published extensive guidance for geological and near-surface disposal facilities for radioactive waste and this is available at:
	www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/99322.aspx

Renewable Energy

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to take to encourage the use of energy from renewable heat sources.

Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to increasing the amount of renewable heat in the UK; this is a crucial part of ensuring we meet our renewables targets, cutting carbon and ensuring energy security.
	We are currently looking at the renewable heat incentive (RHI) proposals. Clearly there are benefits to the scheme, but we must also consider the impact of the costs, particularly given the financial constraints we must work within and the potential impact that funding options could have on vulnerable people.
	We are aware that there is uncertainty in the renewable heating industry and want to provide certainty and clarity as quickly as possible, but must make sure that we make the right decision.
	We will look to make an announcement on the future of the proposed scheme as soon as possible.

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on expanding feed-in tariffs to include electricity generated from biomass.

Charles Hendry: Eligibility within FITs will be considered when the scheme is reviewed. Periodic reviews of the FITs scheme will be timed to coincide with the Renewables Obligation reviews, the first of which would see changes implemented in 2013.
	Biomass will continue to be eligible to receive support through the Renewables Obligation at all levels.

Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's announcement of 24 May 2010 and pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2010,  Official Report, column 69W on public expenditure: Wales, which of his Department's non-devolved public expenditure savings will be incurred in Wales; and what estimate he has made of the likely financial savings.

Gregory Barker: While it is possible that some of the savings announced will have an impact in Wales, it is not possible at this stage to specify reductions to DECC programmes or delivery bodies' budgets that will directly affect Wales.
	In particular, the Department is still reviewing precisely which activities it will stop or scale back under its national Environmental Transformation Fund and its Low Carbon Investment Funding.

JUSTICE

Prison Sentences: Wales

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many residents of  (a) Wrexham and  (b) North Wales served custodial sentences of six months or fewer in the last three years for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many residents of  (a) Wrexham and  (b) North Wales served custodial sentences in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Crispin Blunt: Data are published annually on the number of offenders released from prison having served custodial sentences, most recently data for 2008 which was published on the Ministry of Justice website in Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2008 under the following link:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/prisonandprobation.htm
	However, information on offenders' home address is not routinely recorded on the data held centrally, and could be provided only through manual checking of prisoner records at disproportionate cost.
	The following table shows the number of discharges from determinate and life sentences from prisons in England and Wales in each year from 2006 to 2008. Data for 2009 will be published in Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2009 on 22 July 2010.
	
		
			  Number 
			   2006  2007  2008 
			 Up to and including six months 44,000 45,100 51,300 
			 Over six months and up to and including 12 months 8,200 8,700 9,800 
			 12 months and less than four years 23,300 23,600 25,300 
			 Four years and less than life 6,900 8,100 8,600 
			 Lifers 135 146 138 
			 These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

TREASURY

Bank Services: Fees and Charges

Martin Horwood: To ask the Chancellor of theExchequer what discussions his Department has had with the Office of Fair Trading and the Financial Services Authority on a framework for bank charges since 2009.

Mark Hoban: The Treasury has regular meetings and discussions with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Financial Services Authority (FSA) on bank charges as part of the process of policy development.
	The Government stated in the coalition agreement that
	"we will introduce stronger consumer protections, including measures to end unfair bank and financial transaction charges."
	We are considering how best to implement this commitment and will bring forward proposals, in consultation with OFT and FSA, in due course.

Capital Investment: Redcar

Ian Swales: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much public sector capital funding his Department allocated to Redcar constituency in each of the last five years.

Danny Alexander: Monitoring of capital expenditure at a constituency level is not undertaken centrally.
	For the North East region, capital expenditure for the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			  North East England 
			   £ million 
			 2004-05 1,230 
			 2005-06 1,477 
			 2006-07 1,542 
			 2007-08 1,583 
			 2008-09 2,028

Child Tax Credit

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families are in receipt of the baby element of tax credits  (a) nationally and  (b) in Newcastle North constituency.

David Gauke: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of families receiving the baby element of tax credits in (a) England and (b) Newcastle-upon-Tyne North constituency 
			  Thousand 
			   All out of work  All in work 
			 England 129.8 275.8 
			 Newcastle-upon-Tyne North 0.2 0.5 
		
	
	These estimates are based on provisional information on families receiving Tax Credits as at April 2010. Further details about this data can be found in the HMRC snapshot publication "Child and Working Tax Credits. Geographical Analysis, April 2010", available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-stats.htm

Child Tax Credit: Scotland

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire Council area and  (c) Scotland claim child tax credit.

David Gauke: The latest information on the number of families with children benefiting from child and working tax credits, by each parliamentary constituency, local authority and region is available in the HMRC snapshot publication 'Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical Analyses. April 2010', available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-apr2010.pdf

Child Trust Fund: Hartlepool

Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many child trust fund accounts at the  (a) standard and  (b) higher rate have been opened in Hartlepool constituency in each year since the inception of the fund; and how much the Exchequer has contributed to those accounts to date.

Mark Hoban: Statistical information about Child Trust Funds is published on HM Revenue and Customs' website at
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm

Departmental Official Cars

Tom Watson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Government  (a) cars and  (b) drivers are allocated to Ministers in his Department.

Justine Greening: All Treasury Ministers except the Chancellor (for security reasons) have cancelled their allocated ministerial cars and drivers, following expiry of the contracted notice periods. Prior to May 2010, HM Treasury had contracts for six cars for Ministers (including the Chancellor) to be provided by the Government Car and Dispatch Agency, with five drivers.
	The new Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, contains changes that affect Ministerial entitlement to travel by Government car. It states that
	"the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other relevant considerations. Other Ministers will be entitled to use cars from the Government Car Service Pool as needed".
	The Department for Transport and its Government Car and Despatch Agency are working with departments to effect the transition to the new arrangements.

Departmental Official Cars

Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the  (a) make,  (b) model and  (c) place of manufacture is of the car allocated for the use of each Minister in his Department.

Justine Greening: The Treasury inherited six cars from the previous Government allocated to its Ministers. The cars comprise two Honda Civic ES Hybrid manufactured in Japan, two Toyota Prius T3 Hybrid made in Japan, one Vauxhall Vectra Design CDTi made in Germany and one Jaguar XJ TDVi Sovereign made in the United Kingdom.
	These arrangements are changing following the publication of the new Ministerial Code which contains changes that affect ministerial entitlement to travel by Government car. The code states that
	"the number of Ministers with allocated cars and drivers will be kept to a minimum, taking into account security and other relevant considerations."
	The expectation is that Ministers not in the Cabinet will use the Government Car Service Pool and Cabinet Ministers who have an allocated car will consider how that car might be utilised by other Ministers within the Department before calls are made on the pool.

Energy: Subsidies

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the outcomes were of his discussions with G20 counterparts at the recent meeting on energy subsidy reform;
	(2)  what contribution his Department made to the Joint Report of the International Energy Authority, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Bank on energy subsidy reform.

Justine Greening: The Chancellor attended a meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Korea on 4-5 June 2010. At that meeting they welcomed the strategies and timetables provided by many G20 members for phasing out and rationalising inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption. They also received a draft report on the scope of energy subsidies and suggestions for implementing the G20 commitment made at the Pittsburgh Summit. The report was produced independently by the International Energy Agency, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Bank.

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Phil Woolas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 26 May 2010,  Official Report, columns 51-52WS, on Equitable Life, what progress he has made on his plans to make fair and transparent payments to Equitable Life policyholders, through an independently designed payment scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Sir John Chadwick is advising the Treasury on the relative losses suffered by Equitable Life policyholders in relation to those accepted cases of maladministration resulting in injustice. He will submit his report by mid-July.
	At that time, the Government will publish Sir John's report alongside a detailed update on the next steps towards implementing an independently designed payment scheme.

Green Investment Bank

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria will apply for  (a) companies and  (b) projects to be eligible to receive support from the planned Green Investment Bank.

Justine Greening: As announced in the Budget, the Government are considering a wide range of options for the scope and structure of the Green Investment Bank. We will put forward detailed proposals following the Spending Review.

Income Tax: Tax Allowances

Caroline Flint: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the income tax personal allowance will be for those aged over 65 years who are in employment in 2011-12.

David Gauke: This Government will announce the amount of the personal allowances for those aged 65 and over for 2011-12 in the autumn, when September's inflation figures are known.

Income Tax: Weaver Vale

Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an estimate of the number of people resident in Weaver Vale constituency who will no longer pay income tax consequent on the proposed increase in the personal allowance from April 2011.

David Gauke: A total of 880,000 individuals are estimated to be taken out of income tax. However, the information requested is not available at parliamentary constituency level due to small survey sample sizes at this level of geography, and because the information is based on 2007-08 survey data which would not be reliable for this purpose.
	Available information on incomes and tax by parliamentary constituency based on the latest available Survey of Personal Incomes (2007-08) can be found in Table 3.15 "Income and tax by Parliamentary Constituency" at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income distribution/menu.htm

Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander: Isle of Man

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with  (a) the government of the Isle of Man and  (b) the Isle of Man Regulator on the repayment to UK depositors of savings placed with the Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander Bank; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Kaupthing Singer and Friedlander Isle of Man (KSF IoM) is a subsidiary of the Icelandic parent company Kaupthing Bank hf and is incorporated in the Isle of Man. As such, oversight of KSF IoM was the responsibility of the Isle of Man's Financial Supervision Commission and therefore compensation arrangements for retail depositors in KSF IoM are a matter for the Government of the Isle of Man.
	Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Personal Savings

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he intends to take to encourage the providers of cash ISA products to provide a more responsive service to consumers wishing to switch their (a) product and  (b) provider; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: Over 17 million people now hold cash ISAs and it is important that they are simple, transparent, competitive and flexible.
	The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have today issued a response to the Consumer Focus "super-complaint" on the market for cash ISAs, including on the time taken for transfers to take place.
	The Government welcome the OFT's report and the commitment from the ISA industry to reduce the time limits for cash ISA transfers in its guidance.
	The Government also accept all of the OFT's recommendations for them to act. The Government will include the reduced time limits for cash ISA transfers in HM Revenue and Customs guidance, and will also consider changing the ISA regulations to reflect this.

Poverty: Children

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on levels of child poverty of the measures announced in his recent Budget in each of the next five years.

Justine Greening: holding answer 28 June 2010
	This Government are committed to transparency and for the first time have published estimates of the distributional impact of announced tax and benefit measures at Budget 2010, available at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf
	The Budget announced a package of reforms to support low and middle-income earners, tackle welfare dependency and unaffordable spending and support the most vulnerable. This included measures to better target support to low-income families including an above-indexation increase in the child tax credit. The Budget will have no measurable impact on child poverty in the next two years.
	The Government's strategy will focus on all aspects of child poverty. the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) been asked to lead a review into poverty, including how to measure and make progress on non-financial elements of poverty.

Poverty: Children

Andrew Gwynne: To ask Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of the proposed freeze on child benefit on the likelihood of achieving Government's objective to end child poverty by 2020.

Justine Greening: The Budget had twin aims: to reduce the deficit in a fair manner, and to ensure that the most vulnerable were protected. At Budget, the Government chose to freeze child benefit for three years, while ensuring better targeted support to low-income families by increasing the child element of the child tax credit by £150 in 2011-12 with a further £60 in 2012-13. These increases will happen over and above indexation. The freeze in child benefit is part of the overall Budget package and any assessment made refers to the package as a whole. As a result of all Budget measures, there is no overall measurable impact on child poverty for the next two years.
	The Government are committed to eradicating child poverty by 2020, and will set out its strategy to do so before end of March 2011.

Poverty: Children

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the 2010 Budget what assessment he has made of the likely effects of his proposals on the likelihood of achieving Government's objective to end child poverty by 2020.

Justine Greening: The Budget had twin aims: to reduce the deficit in a fair manner, and to ensure that the most vulnerable were protected. This included measures to better target support on low income families including an above indexation increase in the child tax credit by £150 in 2011-12, and a further £60 in 2012-13. The Budget will have no measurable impact on child poverty in the next two years.

Pregnant Women: Grants

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire council area and  (c) Scotland had received health in pregnancy grants on the latest date for which figures are available.

Justine Greening: Geographical analysis of the number of people benefiting from the health in pregnancy grant has not previously been undertaken, and therefore this information is only available at disproportionate cost.

Public Expenditure: Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on implementing the recommendation of the Independent Commission on Funding and Finance for Wales that the Government produce an annual publication enabling comparisons between Welsh Assembly Government expenditure under the Barnett Formula and equivalent expenditure in England.

Danny Alexander: The Government note the recommendations of the first report of the Independent Commission on Funding and Finance for Wales and look forward to the Commission's final report. Figures for the country and regional breakdown of public spending are published in the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA).

Public Expenditure: Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what  (a) population ratios,  (b) comparability factors and  (c) calculations underpinthe consequential changes to the funding of the National Assembly for Wales announced on 22 June 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: In relation to changes to the funding of the National Assembly for Wales announced on 22 June 2010, the recycled savings announced on 24 May 2010 were adjusted to reflect changes in business rate relief announced in the Budget. There was a reduction in the recycled savings for the Welsh Assembly Government in 2010-11 of £1.5 million. This was calculated using the Barnett Formula in the normal way. Details of the Barnett Formula, including details of the population figures and comparability factors, are published in the Statement of Funding policy.
	The Welsh Assembly Government's budget for the spending review period will be published at the end of the spending review.

Public Expenditure: Yorkshire and the Humber

Simon Reevell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much public sector capital funding was provided in each parliamentary constituency in Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: Capital expenditure for Yorkshire and Humber in each of the last five years was as follows:
	
		
			  Yorkshire and Humber 
			   £ million 
			 2004-05 2,196 
			 2005-06 2,537 
			 2006-07 2,807 
			 2007-08 2,890 
			 2008-09 3,419 
		
	
	Monitoring of capital expenditure at a constituency level is not undertaken centrally.

Public Finance

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the oral statement of 17 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 1040-1, on public spending, what estimate he has made of the  (a) number and cost of redundancies and  (b) costs incurred by the cancellation of contracts consequent on the cancellation of the 12 projects.

Danny Alexander: The operational impact of these decisions is a matter for Departments. There may be some costs incurred and some impact on jobs by cancelling these projects. However, by cancelling the projects at this stage the Government are reducing spending pressures, enabling them to reduce the deficit as quickly as possible. The 12 projects cancelled on 17 June have a lifetime cost of £2 billion which will now not be spent. The 12 projects that have been cancelled carried costs of £491 million in 2010-11.

Public Finance

Liz Kendall: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the 2010 Spending Review, what mechanism he intends to use to determine whether capital projects produce a significant economic return.

Danny Alexander: The Chancellor has announced that the Government will conduct a Spending Review, concluding on 20 October 2010. As part of this, Government Departments have been asked to undertake a fundamental review of all capital spending plans to identify the areas that will achieve the greatest economic return. The Green Book sets out the methodology for investment appraisal in central Government projects.

Public Finance

Andrew Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mechanism his Department plans to use to assess capital investment projects in the 2010 Spending Review.

Danny Alexander: The Chancellor has announced that the Government will conduct a Spending Review, concluding on 20 October 2010. As part of this, Government Departments have been asked to undertake a fundamental review of all capital spending plans to identify the areas that will achieve the greatest economic return. The Green Book sets out the methodology for investment appraisal in central Government projects. The emergency Budget announced no further cuts in capital spending totals beyond those announced as part of the £6.2 billion of savings in 2010-11.

Research and Development Tax Credit

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the future of research and development tax credits for business; and if he will make a statement.

David Gauke: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Budget statement that the Government will consult with business in autumn 2010 to review the taxation of intellectual property, the support R&D tax credits provide for innovation and the proposals of the Dyson Review.

Revenue and Customs: Manpower

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff were on the payroll of HM Revenue and Customs and its predecessors on  (a) 1 May 1990,  (b) 1 May 2000 and  (c) the most recent date for which figures are available.

David Gauke: The number of staff in HM Revenue and Customs and its predecessor departments (HM Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue) at 1 April 1990, 1 April 2000 and 31 May 2010 are shown in the following table. Figures are not available for 1 May 1990 and 1 May 2000.
	
		
			  Number 
			   Customs and Excise  Inland Revenue  Total/HMRC 
			   HC  FTE  HC  FTE  HC  FTE 
			 1 April 1990 26,864 - 66,063  92,927 - 
			 1 April 2000 22,640 21,910 66,870 62,460 89,510 84,370 
			 31 May 2010 - - - - 75,803 68,676 
			 HC = Headcount. FTE = Full-time equivalent. Separate figures for headcount and FTE were not reported for 1990.   Source:  These data are sourced from the statistics archive on the civil service website: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/resources/stats-archive/archived-reports.aspx

Revenue and Customs: Manpower

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many  (a) Protestant,  (b) Roman Catholic and  (c) non-determined appointees there were in HM Revenue and Customs offices in Northern Ireland in 2009.

David Gauke: The numbers of appointees to HM Revenue and Customs in 2009, broken down by Protestant, Roman Catholic and non-determined is as follows:
	Protestant: 9
	Roman Catholic: 8
	Non-determined: 3.

Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance

Angela Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations his Department has received from private sector companies on the decision not to proceed with the loan proposal for Sheffield Forgemasters.

Danny Alexander: To the best of my knowledge, the Department has not received any representations from private sector companies on the decision not to proceed with this loan.

Tax Allowances

Andrew Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of his Budget proposals for marginal tax rates on the distribution of personal incomes.

David Gauke: Budget 2010 made no announcements on income tax rates. Budget 2010 Chapter 2 provided a detailed analysis of the impact of Budget tax and welfare changes on household incomes and marginal deduction rates.

Taxation: Aviation

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to introduce value added tax on aircraft fuel.

David Gauke: In accordance with international agreements VAT is not charged on fuel used by aircraft operating on international routes. However, even if VAT were applied to such supplies airlines could recover the VAT charged, as input VAT, in the normal way.

Taxation: Business

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire council area and  (c) Scotland had used the Time to Pay programme on the latest date for which figures are available.

David Gauke: HMRC collates information on the number and value of Time to Pay arrangements granted through the Business Payment Support Service (BPSS).
	Data on the number of businesses using the service are not readily available at constituency or local authority level. At any point in time a business may have more than one arrangement covering its different tax liabilities. A business may be granted a number of successive arrangements.
	Following contact with the BPSS between 24 November 2008 and 20 June 2010:
	320 arrangements spreading payments covering tax debts worth £5.4 million have been granted to businesses within the parliamentary constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West;
	1,460 arrangements spreading payments covering tax debts worth £24 million have been granted to businesses within the South Lanarkshire council area;
	20,400 arrangements spreading payments covering tax debts worth £340 million have been granted to businesses within Scotland.

Taxation: Probate

Richard Fuller: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much HM Revenue and Customs spent on contesting the payment of taxes with probate executors in 2009.

David Gauke: The information requested is not available, as HMRC's systems do not capture information specifically in respect of work involving probate executors.

VAT

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effects on the number of jobs of the proposed change to the rate of value added tax.

David Gauke: To continue with the previous Government's fiscal plans would put the recovery and jobs at risk.
	By acting now, the Government have reduced the risk of adverse market conditions, which would mean higher interest rates for all, stifle recovery and make the challenges ahead even harder. Raising the standard rate of VAT is an important element of the Government's fiscal consolidation plans.
	The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts that unemployment will come down from 8.1% this year, falling in every year to 6.1% in 2015. In producing its forecasts, the OBR has considered the employment impacts of the announced consolidation as a whole.

VAT: Great Yarmouth

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses in Great Yarmouth were registered for value added tax in each of the last five years.

David Gauke: The existing population of VAT registered businesses and the number of businesses that registered for VAT during the year, for years since 2003, is shown for Great Yarmouth in the following table.
	
		
			   Start of year stock  Registrations during year 
			 2003 2,325 230 
			 2004 2,360 195 
			 2005 2,385 200 
			 2006 2,400 210 
			 2007 2,440 200 
			 2008 2,485 - 
		
	
	These figures came from the report "Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations", published by The Department for Businesses Enterprise and Regulatory Reform in November 2008. This report is no longer published.

Working Tax Credit

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in  (a) Newcastle North constituency and  (b) the UK are in receipt of the child care element of tax credits; and how many of those earn a joint household income of  (a) less than £20,000,  (b) between £20,000 and £24,999,  (c) between £25,000 and £29,999,  (d) between £30,000 and £34,999,  (e) between £35,000 and £39,999 and  (f) £40,000 or more.

David Gauke: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of families benefiting from the child care element of tax credits in the Newcastle North constituency 
			  Current year joint household income  Number 
			 Less than £20,000 400 
			 £20,000-£24,999 60 
			 £25,000-£29,999 70 
			 Over £30,000 70 
			 All families 600 
		
	
	The income bands over £30,000 have been combined because the numbers in the individual categories would be disclosive.
	
		
			  Table 2: Number of families benefiting from the child care element of tax credits in the UK 
			  Current year joint household income  Number 
			 Less than £20,000 302,200 
			 £20,000-£24,999 56,700 
			 £25,000-£29,999 51,900 
			 £30,000-£34,999 37,000 
			 £35000-£40000 21,200 
			 Over £40,000 19,800 
			 All families 488,800 
		
	
	These estimates are based on provisional information on families receiving tax credits as at April 2010. Further details about this data can be found in the HMRC snapshot publication "Child and Working Tax Credits. Geographical Analysis, April 2010", available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-stats.htm

HOME DEPARTMENT

Community Policing

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of neighbourhood policing teams which will be affected by the reduction in police funding for 2010-11.

Theresa May: holding answer 24 June 2010
	The Government supports neighbourhood policing and are committed to ensuring that all communities receive a high quality policing service that meets local priorities. It is for police authorities and forces to decide how many neighbourhood policing teams communities need and where to deploy them. I am confident that the police should be able to maintain front-line services while making the savings required for their contribution towards the in-year budget cuts.

Crime

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the change has been in the number of incidents of  (a) violent crime,  (b) burglary,  (c) theft and  (d) domestic violence between 1997 and the latest date for which information is available.

Theresa May: holding answer 14 June 2010
	There are two main sources of official statistics on trends in crime; the British Crime Survey and police recorded crime. Both sets of statistics have different strengths and weaknesses and provide an incomplete picture about the level of offending.
	Statistics on the number of incidents of violent crime, burglary, theft and domestic violence from the two sources are published annually in the Home Office statistical bulletin Crime in England and Wales, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.

Crime

Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the level of public confidence in published crime statistics.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 22 June 2010
	I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 22 June 2010,  Official Report, column 145W.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which elements of the proposed £82 million savings announced to the budgets of her Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies were contained in the £346 million savings to her Department's budget announced in the most recent budget statement.

Theresa May: holding answer 15 June 2010
	Due to the poor state of the public finances, this Government have decided to take urgent and radical action in 2010-11 to save £82 million from the budgets of the National Police Improvement Agency, Serious Organised Crime Agency, Identity and Passport Service, Government Equalities Office and Government Office London.
	None of the proposed Home Office efficiency savings announced in the March 2010 Budget statement were due to result in reduced budgets in 2010-11.

Passports: Biometrics

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on halting the second generation of biometric passports after 2012.

Theresa May: holding answer 24 June 2010
	The work to introduce fingerprint biometrics in passports from 2012 has been halted. However, we will continue to maintain the integrity and security of our passports through other security features including facial image biometrics contained in a chip in the passport.

Speed Limits: Cameras

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much accrued to the Consolidated Fund from the payment of penalties issued on the basis of evidence from speed cameras in each year since 2007.

James Brokenshire: The fixed penalty for a speeding offence is £60. Following the ending of the National Safety Camera Funding Scheme, all such income, whether or not the offence was detected by camera, goes to the Consolidated Fund.
	Information on the amount that has accrued to the Consolidated Fund from speeding offences detected by camera cannot be identified separately. Data on the number of fixed penalties issued and paid per year for all motoring offences and separately on all speeding offences detected by camera are collected centrally and published as part of National Statistics. These are outlined in detail within Chapter 3 of the Home Office Statistical Bulletin: 'Police Powers and Procedures'. Sections 3.3 and 3.4 deal respectively with fixed penalty notices generally and notices issued on the basis of speed camera evidence respectively. The latest publication outlines data for the financial year 2008-09 as well as making reference to historical data.
	A copy of the publication is available from the Library of the House. A link to the publication online is provided for the Member's convenience. The relevant tables from the publication are also provided with this answer.
	http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb0610.pdf
	
		
			  Table 3c: Fixed penalty notices by result-percentage paid, fine registered, etc, England and Wales 
			  Percentage 
			  Result  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 Penalty paid 79 80 82 84 87 88 90 89 90 89 
			 No further action 8 7 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 
			 Fine registered 13 12 13 11 10 9 7 7 8 8 
			 Referred for court proceedings 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.3 
			 Total notices dealt with (thousand) 3,089 2,984 2,897 2,866 3,506 3,377 3,281 3,047 2,613 2,299 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3e: Fixed penalties notices (FPNs)( 1)  for speeding offences detected by cameras, England and Wales 
			   Number ( T housand) 
			 2000 599 
			 2001 878 
			 2002 1,135 
			 2003 1,670 
			 2004 1,787 
			 2005 1,764 
			 2006 1,634 
			 2007 1,260 
			 2008 1,028 
			 (1 )Includes only FPNs issued and paid. Where penalties are not paid and are referred to court, they are no longer recorded as FPNs.

Speed Limits: Cameras

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many notices of intended prosecution have been issued for speeding in a speed camera site area in each year since 2007.

James Brokenshire: The information requested is not available.
	The Home Office collects data on the number of fixed penalty notices issued and paid, for speed limit offences in England and Wales involving the use the use of any camera device. There were 1.26 million such notices in 2007 and 1.03 million notices in 2008.
	Data are also collected for number of fixed penalty notices issued for total motoring offences by final disposal (including referrals for court proceedings). However these data, as provided to the Home Office, cannot be broken down by type of offence or whether a speed camera was involved.

Theft: Electronic Equipment

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to prevent young people carrying electronic devices from being targeted by street criminals.

James Brokenshire: Where street robbery is a problem at a local level, it is the responsibility of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes the local police force, to tackle this. Local agencies have been given the autonomy to respond as appropriate, prioritising their resources to target those issues of most importance locally. Where robbery has been a problem, areas have analysed victim and perpetrator profiles as well as locations, and developed responses to specific issues such as youth on youth robberies or robberies associated with the night time economy. Other success factors include improved joint tasking and working between the police and key partners, CCTV and targeted crime prevention advice, such as poster campaigns.
	Mobile phones are commonly taken during robberies and other personal thefts. The National Mobile Phone Crime Unit, part funded by the Home Office, tackles mobile phone theft through working with the mobile phone industry on phone security and disabling stolen phones. They also provide a resource for local police forces by providing expert training and advice on individual cases, and through the provision of the National Mobile Phone Register where police can quickly check if a phone is stolen.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Armed Conflict: Diamonds

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his EU counterparts the level of compliance of conditions in the Marange diamond fields with the terms of the Kimberley Process certification scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Henry Bellingham: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no discussions with EU counterparts. Ministers will be considering the UK's position following the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KP) Intersessional in Tel Aviv on 21 to 23 June 2010, at which the issue of Zimbabwe diamond exports was extensively discussed.
	We are disappointed that agreement could not be reached at the Kimberley Process Intersessional meeting on the export of Zimbabwe diamonds. The UK remains fully committed to working with the European Commission to ensure that all KP participants, including Zimbabwe, comply with KP requirements.

European Parliament

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 June 2010,  Official Report, column 37W, on the European Parliament, what further steps he plans to take to raise the question of the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg.

David Lidington: I intend to build support amongst my counterparts across the EU where possible.

Kyrgyzstan: Violence

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the security situation in the Kyrgyz Republic, with particular reference to ethnic violence; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Browne: We are deeply concerned by the recent events in Kyrgyzstan. The situation on the ground remains extremely fragile. The UK co-sponsored a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on 18 June that called for a transparent investigation into the events of April and the recent inter-ethnic violence, and urged the Kyrgyz authorities to promote inter-ethnic reconciliation.
	We and our EU partners have underlined the importance of pursuing the political process to build democratic institutions in Kyrgyzstan, notably through the referendum on a new constitution that took place on 27 June and through parliamentary elections later this year. This process represents the best chance to ensure peace, institutional stability, open dialogue, rule of law and democracy for the people of Kyrgyzstan. We are pleased that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights issued a positive initial assessment of the referendum. This represents an important step in the long path towards normalisation in Kyrgyzstan.
	We shall continue to monitor developments closely.

Languages: GCSE

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 February 2010,  Official Report, column 355W, on EU institutions, if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Education proposals to increase the number of secondary school pupils studying for a modern European language GCSE.

Jeremy Browne: Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and I recognise the importance of school pupils learning foreign languages, including modern European languages. The Government have announced that there will be a review of the National Curriculum, including language learning. There will be an announcement concerning the detail of the review in due course.

Languages: Higher Education

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 February 2010,  Official Report, column 355W, on EU institutions, if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills proposals to increase the modern European language skills of students in British universities.

Jeremy Browne: Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and I recognise the importance of students pursuing modern European language studies. It is important that higher education institutions offer the widest variety of good quality courses to students, including a range of modern European languages. The Government funded "Routes into Languages" programme works to stimulate demand for language learning in every region of England.

Palestinians: International Assistance

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on the cases of three British citizens on the Gaza aid flotilla who were taken into custody and whose UK passports have not been returned; and whether he has taken steps to seek to secure the return from the Israeli authorities of the possessions of other British citizens on that flotilla.

Alistair Burt: I have raised these specific issues with Israel's ambassador to the UK. Our ambassador to Israel and other members of the British embassy in Tel Aviv have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Israeli authorities. It has also been raised by the EU presidency, on behalf of EU Heads of Mission, with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
	I can confirm we have received all three missing passports which will be returned to the holders. We, and the EU, have also been informed by the Israelis that all the personal belongings have now been sent to Turkey, to the organisers of the Flotilla (Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (Insani Yardim Vakfi), (IHH). We understand that the Turkish authorities agree this to be correct. I explained this to the British nationals who I met on 17 June. We have also been informed by the Israeli authorities that the return of magnetic and media equipment is under consideration by the Israeli defence forces. We will continue to press for its return and availability for use in the inquiry, as required by those conducting it.
	We have also asked exceptionally asked our consular staff in Istanbul to follow up with IHH who still hold over 300 pieces of unclaimed luggage, including watches, phones and cameras. Our consular staff have taken photos of everything that was seen in IHH's storage, which we will shortly be distributing to the British nationals involved so they can attempt to identify any property that is theirs.

South America: Organised Crime

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of the election of the new president of Colombia for UK policy on combating drug trafficking and organised crime in South America.

Jeremy Browne: We have an excellent and successful working relationship with Colombia on tackling the cocaine trade and organised crime. We are confident that this will continue under president-elect, Juan Manuel Santos, who is committed to working with the UK and other international partners to combat this global threat.

United Nations: Reform

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on reform of the United Nations.

Henry Bellingham: We need a strong UN to resolve and manage international challenges such as conflict prevention and resolution, proliferation of nuclear weapons, international terrorism and climate change. We shall work with other member states to modernise UN practices, to make the UN more effective and to strengthen its capacity to deliver where most needed. It also remains vital that the UN balances member states' demands for activity with sustainable budget levels.
	The UN Security Council is the only global body that has the legitimacy and moral authority to respond to global threats to peace and security. It needs to become more representative of the modern world, but at the same time no less effective in taking necessary decisions to maintain international peace and security. We support permanent seats on a reformed Council for Japan, India, Germany, Brazil and African representation.

HEALTH

Young Children

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the level of participation in local public health programmes for young children funded by his Department.

Anne Milton: The Government are reviewing all the public health programmes funded by the Department of Health.
	We want to identify those programmes that are evidence based and making a real difference to the lives of young children, especially the most vulnerable or disadvantaged.

Commissioning Structures

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to merge primary care trust commissioning structures with local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Lansley: The Government intend to devolve day-to-day national health service commissioning to practice-led commissioners. We do not therefore plan to merge primary care trust commissioning structures with local authorities. We do intend to secure greater co-ordination of public health commissioning and health and social care joint working; this will engage the NHS with local authorities.

Healthcare-acquired Infections

Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to eradicate healthcare-acquired infections in NHS facilities.

Simon Burns: The revised NHS Operating Framework for 2010-11, published last week, made clear we have a zero tolerance approach to avoidable infections. National health service organisations should deliver continuous improvement. We have already introduced weekly reporting for MRSA and  C. difficile and are considering a widening of the mandatory surveillance system to cover other infections.

Healthy Child Programme

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the healthy child programme; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: In the coalition agreement, we state our aim to promote public health and prevent ill health. We believe that this needs to start in pregnancy and continue throughout childhood and adolescence.

Long-Term Neurological Conditions

Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his most recent assessment is of his Department's progress in the implementation of the national health service framework for long-term neurological conditions.

Paul Burstow: We are currently considering the timing and scope of the Mid Point Review for this Framework, and will report to the House in due course.

Work Capability: Fluctuating Conditions

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the methods for assessing patients with multiple sclerosis, myalgic encephalopathy, fibromyalgia and other fluctuating conditions for the purpose of work capability assessments.

Paul Burstow: No discussion has taken place.
	Our policies will ensure that disability or illness is not a barrier to work for those that can work, as well as providing appropriate support for those unable to do so as a result of their health condition.

Waiting Times

George Mudie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the maximum target period of 18 weeks between GP referral and treatment; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Burns: We have received a number of representations on the 18 weeks target. We believe the national health service must focus on securing improved health outcomes for patients rather than on process targets that do not lead to improvements in patient health, so, on 18 weeks, we have removed central performance management to empower clinicians and patients.

Combat Veterans: Mental Health

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve arrangements for mental health care of combat veterans; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Burns: We are committed to providing veterans with effective mental health services. Six pilot schemes will assist veteran mental health planning from 2011-12.
	The Prime Minister requested the hon. Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison) to review military health provision, including veteran mental health, and he expects to report in July.
	£2 million funding was recently confirmed by the Secretary of State to work with our strategic partners to identify how to invest funding into NHS services to ensure the best treatment possible for veterans with mental health problems.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to bring forward proposals for a  (a) minimum unit pricing on alcohol products and  (b) requirement for such products to carry health warning labels.

Anne Milton: The Government have no plans to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol. The Coalition programme for government includes commitments to ban the sale of alcohol below cost and to review alcohol taxation and pricing, to ensure it tackles binge drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs, and important local industries. A public consultation on options for improving information on the labels of alcoholic drinks to support consumers to make healthier choices closed on 31 May. The responses will be analysed and we will make an announcement on our decision for a way forward in due course.

Blood: Contamination

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will equalise the level of payments made by the Skipton Fund and the MacFarlane Trust for people infected by contaminated blood and blood products.

Anne Milton: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Harriett Baldwin) on 7 June 2010,  Official Report, column 46W.

Cancer: Drugs

Jacob Rees-Mogg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will instruct the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to expedite its review of Lapatinib.

Simon Burns: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) develops guidance based on a robust assessment of the available evidence and in wide consultation with stakeholders. NICE is an independent body and it would not be appropriate for Ministers to interfere in an ongoing NICE appraisal.

Contaminated Blood and Blood Products Inquiry

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on Recommendation 6(h) of Lord Archer's report on contaminated blood and blood products.

Anne Milton: We are considering our response to a recent High Court judgment on the level of payments made to those affected by contaminated blood and blood products and will announce a decision in due course. In the meantime, ex-gratia payments will continue to be paid at current levels to those affected.

Dietary Supplements: EU Law

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the Food Supplements Directive; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: Health Ministers have recently received representations in the form of parliamentary questions and correspondence on behalf of industry and consumers from Members of Parliament, and correspondence from industry, about the setting of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in recommended daily doses of food supplements under the EU Food Supplements Directive.

Drugs: Rehabilitation

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the  (a) effectiveness and  (b) value for money of total abstinence-based drugs treatment programmes compared with other forms of treatment; and what account he has taken of this assessment in determining the future funding of drugs treatment programmes by his Department;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the  (a) effectiveness and  (b) value for money of total abstinence-based drugs treatment programmes compared with other forms of treatment; and what account he has taken of this assessment in determining the future funding of drugs treatment programmes by his Department.

Anne Milton: Our priority is to see drug misusers achieve abstinence and contribute productively to society.
	In 2007, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published "Technology Appraisals on methadone and buprenorphine"
	www.nice.org.uk/TA114
	and also NICE Clinical Guidelines on opiate detoxification
	www.nice.org.uk/CG52
	and on psychosocial interventions
	www.nice.org.uk/CG51
	for drug misuse.
	In addition, the Department, in conjunction with other United Kingdom administrations, published updated UK Clinical Guidelines on drug misuse, "Drug misuse and dependence-UK guidelines on clinical management-2007".
	The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse has produced guidance on the evidence base and clinical practice of drug treatment which can be found at:
	www.nta.nhs.uk/publications.aspx
	Decisions about future funding will be taken following the Spending Review.
	NICE periodically reviews its guidance to determine whether an update is required.

Food: Pesticides

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider the merits of undertaking pesticides analysis of high-risk non-animal origin foodstuffs in an approved laboratory prior to dispatch to a destination in another EU member state; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: We have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that consignments of certain high-risk products of non-animal origin are subjected to laboratory analysis in an approved laboratory to detect the presence of pesticides, at set frequencies dependant on the particular product and country of origin.
	These controls are set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 669/2009 (as amended). Where a consignment arrives at a designated point of entry (DPE) in England which is destined for another European Union member state, the competent authority at the DPE in England may authorise onward transmission of the consignment pending the results of physical checks, including laboratory analysis. The competent authority at the DPE in England should liaise with the relevant competent authority of the member state of destination to ensure that the consignment remains under the control of the competent authorities involved until results are known.

Herbal Medicines: EU Law

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will assess the potential effect on the number of visits to GPs by patients of withdrawal of authorisation for certain herbal products following the implementation of the provisions of the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive;
	(2)  how many herbal products he estimates will be removed from the market following the implementation of the provisions of the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive;
	(3)  what assessment has been made of the effect on small businesses of implementation of the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive;
	(4)  if he will take steps to assist small and medium-sized businesses adversely affected by the implementation of the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive;
	(5)  if he will bring forward proposals to establish an independent appeals process to decide on cases of dispute on whether a herb is a medicine;
	(6)  if he will seek an opt-out for the UK from the provisions of the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive.

Anne Milton: Directive 2004/24/EC on traditional herbal medicinal products was implemented in the United Kingdom in October 2005. The directive takes full effect when the transitional period for compliance expires on 30 April 2011.
	The effect of the directive in the UK is to bring a sector that was previously largely unregulated into systematic medicines regulation. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in its impact assessment recognised that some businesses, including small and medium-sized manufacturers, were likely to be significantly affected, and that the impact would vary widely depending on the standards to which the businesses were currently operating. The assessment also suggested that some restructuring in the herbal sector was likely. This view has not changed.
	The MHRA has so far received 143 applications to register products under the traditional herbal registration (THR) scheme. Of these applications 61 have been granted, and the remainder are under assessment. The agency is aware that many companies have made detailed preparations to comply with the requirements of the directive.
	The Better Regulation Executive review of MHRA implementation of Hampton principles reported in 2009 that the agency had given extensive help to industry in preparing to meet the requirements of the directive. MHRA will continue to provide such support, which includes the opportunity for companies to have dialogue with the agency as to how they can most effectively progress their intended applications under the THR scheme.
	Companies are not required to notify the MHRA of unlicensed products marketed under section 12(2) of the Medicines Act 1968, therefore no estimates are available of how many products will need to be withdrawn from the UK market following the expiry of the transitional period. As now there will continue to be many herbal products that potentially can be placed on the market either as medicinal products or under other product regulatory regimes depending on their presentation.
	Historically, unlicensed herbal medicines have been made to widely varying standards and have not necessarily been accompanied by reliable information about safe usage. Products registered under the THR scheme are manufactured to high standards and come with authorised information for the consumer. We do not believe it would be feasible to make reliable predictions as to the combined impact of actual changes in the regulatory regime and possible future changes in the herbal medicines market on the number of visits to general practitioners.
	The process for determining whether or not a product is a medicine already includes the option of a review by the Independent Review Panel for Borderline Products. This panel was introduced in 2000 and details are included in the MHRA's guidance note no. 8, a guide to what is a medicinal product.

Hospitals: Buildings

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many empty former psychiatric hospitals there are; and how many of them are in the process of  (a) being sold and  (b) being sold for the purpose of affordable housing.

Simon Burns: Information on the number of empty former psychiatric hospitals is not held by the Department. Parts of the site of two psychiatric hospitals are in the ownership of the Secretary of State for Health. One of these sites is in the process of being sold for redevelopment as a care village and thus will not include affordable housing.

Hospitals: Buildings

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an assessment of the merits of the sale by the NHS of empty properties which were formerly mental health institutions.

Simon Burns: National health service trusts, as owners, are responsible for the management of their estate and for decisions as to whether a property is considered to be surplus to requirements. The proceeds from the sale of property owned by NHS trusts are reinvested in improving local healthcare.

Medical Equipment

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an estimate of the number of static NHS lithotriptor machines there are per million population in England.

Simon Burns: This information is not held centrally.

Mumps: Vaccination

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an assessment of the merits of reintroducing a licence for the single mumps vaccine.

Anne Milton: The reintroduction of a licence for a single mumps vaccine would require a manufacturer to submit a marketing authorisation application to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The application would be considered in line with current legislative requirements regarding the licensing of medicines. The applicant would need to demonstrate acceptable quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine before a licence could be granted.

Muscular Dystrophy

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding was allocated for the care of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients in each region through special commissioning groups in the latest period for which figures are available.

Paul Burstow: This information is not collected routinely. Not all specialised commissioning groups commission services for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Services tend to be located in larger hospitals based in big towns and cities.

NHS: ICT

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what percentage of NHS IT expenditure in 2009 was on online services accessible to people with an internet browser;
	(2)  what percentage of NHS IT expenditure in 2009 was spent on software which can only be maintained by the original supplier;
	(3)  how much the NHS has spent on IT projects over three years late in delivery  (a) in total and  (b) in 2009;
	(4)  what percentage of NHS IT projects were put out to tender online in 2009.

Simon Burns: Comprehensive information about information technology procurements by national health service organisations is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has made an assessment of the effects on the revenue budget of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust of the decision not to proceed with its proposed new hospital; and what assessment his Department has made of the effects of that decision on the Trust's capacity to reduce health inequalities in its area.

Simon Burns: Assessing the implications of the Treasury's decision not to fund the proposed new hospital in North Tees and Hartlepool is a matter for the local national health service. We understand that the primary care trusts in the area, NHS Hartlepool and NHS Stockton-on-Tees, will continue to work closely with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust on delivering the wider "Momentum: Pathways to Healthcare" programme, and will be discussing the options available with the Trust.

Quarrying: Health Hazards

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department holds on the health effects of dust particles on the people resident in areas near mineral or gravel pits.

Anne Milton: The Department holds no information specifically on the health effects of dust particles on people resident in areas near mineral or gravel pits. Local authorities regulate dust emissions from mineral extraction sites.

Warrington Primary Care Trust: Finance

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps his Department has taken to process the adjustment in direction of travel formula (DTF) in respect of Warrington Primary Care Trust in the last three years; what estimate he has made of the revenue accruing to Warrington Primary Care Trust in that period  (a) with and  (b) without the DTF adjustment; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the operation of his Department's funding formula for health services in Warrington; and if he will adjust the formula to take into account the recent change in population in Warrington.

Simon Burns: The following table shows the actual allocation to Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT), annual cash increases and distance from target positions in cash and percentage terms for the three years 2008-09 to 2010-11.
	
		
			   Actual allocation (£000)  Cash increase (percentage)  Cash increase (£000)  Distance from target (percentage)  Distance from target (£000) 
			 2008-09 273,199 5.50 14,149 - - 
			 2009-10 290,606 5.50 15,150 -1.4 -4,082 
			 2010-11 306,628 5.51 16,022 -1.4 -4,307 
			  Notes: 1. The funding formula was frozen in 2008-09 therefore no distance from target allocations were calculated. 2. A new funding formula was introduced for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 revenue allocations. The application of a new funding formula and data updates impact upon PCTs' target allocations. Average growth in each year was 5.5%.  Source: The Department of Health: PCT Revenue Allocations Team 
		
	
	PCT allocations are based on the most up-to-date population figures available at the time of making the allocations. The 2009-10 and 2010-11 revenue allocations used sub-national population projections published in 2008. The formula also includes an adjustment to take account of the Communities and Local Government Growth Areas and New Growth Points and the allocation takes account of the Growth Point covered by Warrington PCT.
	PCT allocations are highlighted in the coalition agreement as an area for consideration. An independent national health service board is to be established to allocate resources and provide commissioning guidelines.
	We have guaranteed health spending will increase in real terms in each year of the Parliament and health care spend will also be looked at as part of the next spending review. This will inform the speed at which all PCTs move towards their target revenue allocations.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Departmental Buildings

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what properties his Department  (a) owns and  (b) leases overseas; whether those properties are shared with other Government Departments and non-departmental public bodies; and whether he plans to (i) sell the property or (ii) cancel the lease in each case.

Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) has not hitherto held central records of our overseas estates. We are currently in the process of developing a central information management system that will capture this information. I will write to the hon. Member with the requested information once this system is in place.

Family Planning

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which section of his Department has responsibility for the  (a) formulation and  (b) implementation of policy on (i) abortion and (ii) sexual and reproductive health; how many officials in his Department at each pay band are employed in this section; what other posts in his Department each such official has held; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development's (DFID's) AIDS and Reproductive Health Team, in the Policy and Research Directorate, is responsible for the formulation of policies on sexual, reproductive and maternal health, which encompasses safe abortion. Under DFID's devolved structure, implementation of policy is the responsibility of all programme divisions.
	The number of equivalent full-time staff employed at each civil service grade and pay scale in the AIDS and Reproductive Health Team are provided in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of equivalent full-time staff  DFID grade  Traditional civil service grade  Pay range (London scale 
			 1 A1 G6 £58,120 to £68,221 
			 6.6 A2 G7 £47,555 to £56,293 
			 2.5 B1 HEO £30,868 to £34,534 
			 1 B2 EO £25,029 to £27,317 
			 1 C1 AO £22,530 
		
	
	DFID does not support abortion as a method of family planning. We believe the best way to eliminate unsafe abortion is to provide access to family planning information, services and supplies and to ensure that women have more control over the circumstances in which they have sex. In countries where abortion is legal, DFID will support programmes that make abortion safe and accessible. In countries where it is illegal and women are dying due to unsafe abortion, DFID will help make the consequences of unsafe abortion more widely understood and will consider supporting processes of legal and policy reform.

Health Services

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what  (a) projects,  (b) programmes and  (c) other initiatives he expects the £6 billion his Department has allocated to global health to be spent.

Andrew Mitchell: Over the coming months the Department for International Development (DFID) will review all major spending areas. I have commissioned a review of DFID bilateral and multilateral aid programmes to determine how we can achieve better value for money for the taxpayer and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.
	The reviews will consider how UK aid can help expand access to basic services, including clean water, sanitation, and health care, and how DFID can accelerate work on key priorities of malaria and maternal mortality. Allocation of funding to health will be determined as part of these reviews.

Iraq: Overseas Aid

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what projects in Iraq are being funded by his Department; what the budget of each such project is; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Mitchell: Details of projects funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) in Iraq are provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Name  Duration of Project  Budget (£) 
			 Iraq Infrastructure Services Programme (MSP)-repairing power and water infrastructure in southern Iraq. June 2005 to July 2010 34,664,000 
			 Development Partnerships in Higher Education (DelPHE) Iraq September 2009 to March 2012 3,000,000 
			 Technical Support for Iraq (TSI)-building effective government structures. July 2008 to March 2011 17,400,000 
			 World Bank Private Sector Development (PSD) Trust Fund-improving conditions for private sector development. September 2009 to September 2011 4,000,000 
			 Small Business Finance-loans programme in Basra. June 2009 to March 2011 1,380,000 
			 Youth Employment Pilot Programme (YEPP) in Basra July 2009 to March 2011 985,647 
			 Az Zubayr Water Treatment Plant (Phase One) in Basra. July to December 2010 610,000 
			 Contribution to 2010 UNICEF Annual Humanitarian Appeal January to December 2010 2,500,000 
			 Contribution to 2010 UNHCR Annual Humanitarian Appeal January to December 2010 1,500,000 
			 Contribution to 2010 International Red Cross Humanitarian Appeal January to December 2010 1,000,000 
		
	
	The tri-departmental Conflict Pool's Middle East programme is jointly managed by MOD, FCO and DFID. DFID is managing the following Conflict Pool project:
	
		
			  Name  Duration of Project  Budget (£) 
			 Basra Governance Support Programme-strengthening Basra provincial functions and structures. October 2009 to September 2010 900,000

CABINET OFFICE

Admiralty House: Flags

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for what reasons the Royal Standard was not hoisted at Admiralty House on the occasion of the visit of Her Majesty the Queen in June 2010.

Francis Maude: The Queen visited the Cabinet Office in June 2010 to attend a meeting of permanent secretaries and to meet a number of those civil servants who had recently been engaged in the process of forming a new Government. The character of this engagement did not automatically suggest that the Royal Standard should have been flown: neither the Cabinet Office nor Buckingham Palace requested it.
	As a general rule, the Royal Standard is flown in the United Kingdom when the Queen is in residence in one of the Royal Palaces, on the Queen's car on official journeys and on aircraft (when on the ground). It may also be flown on any building, official or private (but not ecclesiastical buildings), during a visit by the Queen, if the owner or proprietor so requests.

Departmental Manpower

Tom Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions he has had with the UK Statistics Authority on  (a) the publication by his Department of figures relating to non-payroll staff and  (b) the application of the provisions of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 to that publication; and if he will make a statement.

Francis Maude: I discussed  (a) the publication by my Department of figures relating to non-payroll staff and  (b) the application of the provisions of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 to that publication with the National Statistician prior to their publication. The purpose of this discussion was to clarify the scope of the management data collection exercise and its relationship with official statistics.

Departmental Mobile Phones

Mark Tami: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East of 14 June 2010,  Official Report, column 329W, on departmental mobile telephones, what the  (a) purchase cost of the handset,  (b) network provider,  (c) type of tariff and  (d) name of the supplier was in respect of the BlackBerry devices issued to (i) himself, (ii) the Deputy Prime Minister and (iii) the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform.

Francis Maude: The network provider for the Cabinet Office Blackberries provided to Ministers is Vodafone, the tariff is team work and blackberry and the supplier is Fujitsu. The Blackberries are provided as part of a departmental contract the costs of which will be available when the Department's resource accounts for the financial year have been fully audited and laid before Parliament.

Government Departments: ICT

John Pugh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to increase the efficiency of the arrangements for disposal, resale and refreshment of Government ICT equipment.

Francis Maude: Work to increase the efficiency of the disposal, resale and refreshment of Government ICT equipment will be taken forward by the Efficiency and Reform Group as part of this Government's commitment to centralise the procurement of commodity goods and services across Government.

Government Departments: Procurement

Edward Timpson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made towards publishing Government tenders in full online and free of charge.

Francis Maude: The Cabinet Office Structural Reform Plan, published on 15 June 2010, included a commitment to publish all new central Government tender documents above £10,000 on a single website free of charge, as part of the Government's transparency commitments.
	A Public Sector Transparency Board has been established in the Cabinet Office. As Minister for the Cabinet Office I chair the Board. The Board's role will include providing support to Departments as they deliver their transparency commitments.
	Guidance will be issued to Departments on how this commitment should be implemented.
	In the meantime, Government Departments are currently encouraged to publish all new tender opportunities above £20,000 on:
	www.supply2.gov.uk
	Above defined value thresholds, there is a requirement to publish contract notices in the Official Journal of the EU.

Government Departments: Procurement

Edward Timpson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made towards awarding 25 per cent. of Government contracts to small and medium-sized businesses.

Francis Maude: The Office of Government Commerce and BIS are working together to establish the baseline and put together a plan to address the issue.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Housing: Greater London

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of new homes built in  (a) Tottenham constituency,  (b) the London Borough of Haringey and  (c) London were affordable in each year since 1990.

Andrew Stunell: Statistics on house building and affordable housing supply are not collected at constituency level. The table presents the available data on the number of new build completions and the number of newly built affordable homes in the London borough of Haringey and across Greater London as a whole. The proportion of new build homes that were affordable should be interpreted with care as the estimates are taken from different data sources and therefore may not be directly comparable.
	It should also be noted that not all affordable housing is provided through new-build completions as supply can also come from the acquisition and refurbishment of private sector homes. In 2008-09, for example, a total of 12,890 additional affordable homes were provided in London.
	
		
			   Total completions  Affordable new build completions  Percentage affordable 
			   Haringey  London  Haringey  London  London 
			 1991-92 * 17,080 180 3,070 - 
			 1992-93 * 14,430 410 6,700 - 
			 1993-94 * 14,630 400 7,720 - 
			 1994-95 * 15,120 370 9,250 - 
			 1995-96 * 16,290 420 9,770 - 
			 1996-97 * 12,650 190 6,850 - 
			 1997-98 * 13,620 100 4,920 36 
			 1998-99 * 14,430 90 4,890 34 
			 1999-2000 * 13,680 100 4,410 32 
			 2000-01 * 14,490 120 4,850 33 
			 2001-02 * 13,930 150 5,000 36 
			 2002-03 * 15,670 100 4,420 28 
			 2003-04 * 19,390 300 6,010 31 
			 2004-05 * 24,060 200 6,430 27 
			 2005-06 * 18,810 450 7,460 40 
			 2006-07 * 22,760 240 10,190 45 
			 2007-08 870 22,160 280 11,090 50 
			 2008-09 * 19,330 250 8,600 44 
			 2009-10 * 19,470 * * * 
			 * = data not available. Rounded to nearest 10 units.  Source: CLG Official Statistics on house building and gross affordable housing supply. 
		
	
	The next CLG Affordable Housing statistical release containing figures for 2009-10 is scheduled to be published in the autumn of 2010.

Local Government Finance

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 10 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 15-17WS, on the local government savings package, what discussions he has had with representatives of community and third sector organisations on the effect on Nottingham of reductions in funding to  (a) the Connecting Communities programme,  (b) the Cohesion programme and  (c) the Prevent programme.

Andrew Stunell: The Secretary of State has had no meetings with representatives of the voluntary and community sector in Nottingham regarding the savings package and Cohesion and Prevent programmes.

Local Government Finance

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 10 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 15-17WS, on the local government savings package, what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction in funding allocated to the Working Neighbourhoods Fund on plans to tackle worklessness in Nottingham.

Bob Neill: The Working Neighbourhoods Fund is paid as part of Area Based Grant. All local authorities that are eligible for Working Neighbourhoods Fund have received a reduction in their Area Based Grant funding for 2010-11. This includes Nottingham, which this financial year will receive a Working Neighbourhoods Fund allocation of over £11 million.
	Paying Working Neighbourhoods Fund through Area Based Grant gives councils the flexibility to take decisions locally on how to deliver the savings needed while protecting essential frontline services. Where revenue grants to local authorities have been reduced, no local authority will face a reduction of more than 2% overall in their main revenue grants.

Local Government Finance

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 10 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 15-17WS, on the local government savings package, if he will  (a) undertake and  (b) publish an impact assessment on the effect of in-year reductions in funding for local authorities on each (i) local authority and (ii) region.

Bob Neill: Tackling the UK's record deficit is the Government's top priority and we believe that it is right that local authorities make a contribution to the efficiency savings of £6.2 billion in 2010-11. We have adopted a fair approach to the reductions in grants and funding streams and have limited the amount individual authorities lose. The impact on their area of the reductions in grants this year will be for local authorities to decide. We have ensured that councils are able to deliver essential frontline services by making no changes to the £29 billion they receive through Formula Grant and by increasing flexibility for local spending decisions through removing restrictions on how they spend their money.

Local Government Finance

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what consideration he has given to the merits of relaxing the Audit Commission's requirement on local authorities to appoint named auditors; and what assessment he has made of the compatibility of that requirement with his Department's policies on best value.

Bob Neill: Following my instructions to the Audit Commission and five other local inspectorates to stop Comprehensive Area Assessment, we are looking further at local government audit and inspection in pursuit of our priorities for localism and cutting local government inspection.

Local Government Finance: Working Neighbourhood Fund

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 10 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 15-17WS, on the local government savings package, what estimate he has made of the change to the level of funding allocated by his Department to the Working Neighbourhood Fund in each local authority in 2010.

Bob Neill: The Working Neighbourhoods Fund is paid as part of Area Based Grant. All local authorities that are eligible for Working Neighbourhoods Fund have received a reduction in their Area Based Grant funding for 2010-11.
	Paying Working Neighbourhoods Fund through Area Based Grant gives councils the flexibility to take decisions locally on how to deliver the savings needed while protecting essential frontline services. Where revenue grants to local authorities have been reduced, no local authority will face a reduction of more than 2% overall in their main revenue grants.

Local Government Services

Edward Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to encourage the running of local public services by local people.

Greg Clark: The Government's broad plans are set out in 'The Coalition: our programme for Government', and more detailed proposals will be published in the Decentralisation and Localism Bill in the autumn, after we have consulted informally with all those with an interest across the sectors.

Local Government: Referendums

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress he has made on his proposals to give residents the power to instigate local referendums on local issues.

Bob Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell) to the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) on 8 June,  Official Report, column 132W.

Mortgages: Government Assistance

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made for the number of people who have received support from the  (a) Support for Mortgage scheme,  (b) Mortgage Rescue scheme and  (c) Homeowner Support scheme in the last (i) three, (ii) six and (iii) 12 months.

Grant Shapps: holding answer 24 June 2010
	As at November 2009 the number of people in receipt of Support for Mortgage Interest was 225,000.
	Mortgage Rescue Scheme summary monitoring statistics are published on a quarterly basis on the Department's website. Latest figures show as at the end of March 2010 629 households have completed the full process to remain in their homes, in most cases as social tenants. The previous Government's target for the scheme was to help up to 6,000 of the most vulnerable families avoid repossession. (DCLG Press Release, 2 September 2008).
	It was announced on 14 June 2010 that since the launch of the Homeowners Mortgage Support Scheme in April 2009, 34 households had been accepted onto the scheme to the end of April 2010. The previous Government's target was to help 15,500 a year over the next two years. (DCLQ 'Impact Assessment of Homeowners Mortgage Support', 21 April 2009, p.10).

Non-domestic Rates

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2010,  Official Report, column 162W, on non-domestic rates, whether he plans to provide additional relief following the late billing of the business rates for new start-ups during financial year 2009-10; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: There is no specific relief applicable to ratepayers who receive late business rate bills and I have no plans to introduce one. However, depending on their circumstances, ratepayers may be eligible for a variety of reliefs. In addition, we are doubling the level of small business rate relief in England for one year, from 1 October 2010.

Non-domestic Rates: Garages and Petrol Stations

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment has been made of the merits of  (a) freezing and  (b) capping increases in business rates arising from the April 2010 rating revaluation for (i) petrol stations and (ii) other businesses.

Bob Neill: A transitional relief scheme was introduced on 1 April 2010 which limits the annual increases in bills for those ratepayers facing large rises as a result of the 2010 revaluation. The transitional relief scheme applies to all sectors including petrol filling stations. The new Government are aware of concerns about large increases in rateable value for petrol stations and will be looking to meet representatives of the industry to discuss their concerns.

Offices: Expenditure

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what items of new furniture and fittings have been purchased for the office of each Minister in his Department since 6 May 2010; and at what cost.

Grant Shapps: No items of new furniture and fittings have been purchased for ministerial offices in Communities and Local Government since 6 May 2010.

Planning Permission: Blackpool

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what consideration he gave to the provisions of  (a) Planning Policy Guidance note 13: Transport,  (b) Planning Policy Guidance note 17: Planning, Open Space, Sport and Recreation and  (c) Planning Policy Statement note 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation in his decision not to call in development application to Blackpool Borough Council, No. 09/0740, for his own determination.

Bob Neill: The decision not to call in the application was made in the knowledge that all the matters which relate to this application were initially considered and assessed by Blackpool council, as referred to in detail in their committee report. Following its referral, careful consideration was given to the relevant planning issues which fall under the national planning policies which you refer, together with the representations received. Having regard to his policy on call in, the Secretary of State then decided not to call-in the application as there was not sufficient conflict with national planning policies PPG13 and 17 and PPS9 on those matters. In arriving at his decision the Secretary of State has also had regard to the proposed planning conditions in particular relating to flooding, amenities, natural habitats/ecology. He also took into considerations proposed legal agreements and financial contributions in relation to highways, open space and other provisions.

Planning Permission: Blackpool

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what consideration he gave to representations made by Lancashire County Council that development application No. 09/0740 to Blackpool Borough Council would be contrary to Planning Policy Statement note 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, in deciding not to call in the application.

Bob Neill: The Secretary of State has taken account of all the representations made, including those from Lancashire county council, on the issues raised in the context of PPS9-Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. Having considered the assessment provided in the council's committee report and in the applicant's supporting Environmental Statement, the Secretary of State is of the view that those issues do not appear to be in significant conflict with PPS9 considerations. He is satisfied that the proposed planning conditions and other mitigating measures relating to natural habitats/ecology are adequate in safeguarding protected species and to minimise any harmful impact on biodiversity.

Planning Permission: Blackpool

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what account he took in reaching his decision not to call in the development plans submitted to Blackpool Borough Council, reference 09/0740, of  (a) the concerns of Blackpool Transport over the adequacy of public transport provision for the proposed development and  (b) the provisions of Planning Policy Guidance 13 on Transport.

Bob Neill: The Secretary of State has given considerations to all the representations made, including those from Blackpool Transport, on the issues raised in the context of PPG 13-Transport. He has taken account of the assessment of those issues provided in the council's committee report and in the applicant's supporting Transport Statement. While the issues relating to public transport and any highway improvements remain a matter for the highway authority's considerations, however in this case there are proposals relating to improvements to highways and public transport provision which are subject to legal agreements. In the circumstances no issues would appear to be in significant conflict with PPG 13 considerations.

Public Houses

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure provision of business, legal and financial advice and support to members of local communities wishing to run local public houses as a mutual, co-operative or social enterprise; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: Members of local communities wishing to take over their local public house as a mutual, co-operative or social enterprise can approach the independent Asset Transfer Unit, which is funded by Communities and Local Government to provide generic advice on business planning, technical and financial matters relating to the transfer of assets to community management and ownership. We are currently reviewing what further support can be offered to support the community ownership of public houses, within the context of the Government's decision to reassess spending approvals granted between 1 January 2010 and the general election to ensure that they offer good value for money and are consistent with the Government's priorities. A further statement will be made in due course.

Regeneration: Newcastle

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will provide support for the continuation of the Bridging Newcastle Gateshead programme funded by the Pathfinder Budget in the same form as the previous administration.

Andrew Stunell: The Housing Market Renewal Programme was included in the £6.2 billion of savings from Government spending in 2010-11 announced on 24 May. The budget for 2010-11 announced in December 2009 has been reduced by £50 million. The mechanism by which this reduction is achieved has been subject to consultation and individual allocations for 2010-11 will be confirmed shortly. The long-term plans for programmes, including HMR, will be set out by Government after the spending review later this year.

Renewable Energy: Planning Permission

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he intends to make the necessary amendments to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to add air source heat pumps and small-scale wind turbines to the list of permitted developments.

Bob Neill: The Government are considering the policy options for amending the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 in respect of small-scale wind turbines and air source heat pumps. Informed by the responses to a recent public consultation, we intend to announce key decisions and the way forward shortly.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Constituencies

Alun Michael: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what amendments to legislation governing devolution he plans to propose in order to implement his proposals to establish fewer constituencies with more equal populations.

Mark Harper: Proposals to implement this aspect of the coalition agreement are being carefully considered within Government. Details will be announced in due course and Parliament will have the opportunity to debate them.

Departmental Official Cars

Tom Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Government  (a) cars and  (b) drivers are allocated to Ministers in his Office.

Nicholas Clegg: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 28 June 2010,  Official Report, column 446W.

Departmental Official Cars

Tom Watson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many civil servants in the Privy Council Office are entitled to the use of (i) a car with a dedicated driver, (ii) a car from the Government car pool and (iii) a taxi ordered through a departmental account.

Nicholas Clegg: No civil servants in the Privy Council Office have a dedicated Government car or driver.
	As was the case under the previous Administration, civil servants may use a taxi or car from the Government car pool in properly defined circumstances.

Electoral Register

Graham Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to bring forward proposals for individual voter registration.

Mark Harper: The Government are committed to speeding up the implementation of Individual Voter Registration and are currently considering the options for this. We will set out our plans in due course

Electoral Register

Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much was spent on the registration of elections by local authorities in England in each of the last 10 years.

Bob Neill: I have been asked to reply.
	The net current expenditure on the registration of electors by local authorities in England in each of the last 10 years is tabled as follows.
	
		
			   £000 
			 1999-2000 43,361 
			 2000-01(1) n/a 
			 2001-02 44,341 
			 2002-03 48,366 
			 2003-04 49,321 
			 2004-05 54,105 
			 2005-06 57,169 
			 2006-07 63,968 
			 2007-08 64,996 
			 2008-09 67,560 
			 (1) Separate information is not available for 2000-01 as it is included within the central services to the public.  Note: Figures from 2003-04 onwards are collected on a Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 17 basis consequently comparisons between FRS 17 and non-FRS17 may not be valid.  Source: Communities and Local Government Revenue Outturn (RO) returns

Electoral Register

Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the merits of using bar coding on electoral registration forms to assist with electoral registration.

Mark Harper: The Government have not made such an assessment. The effectiveness of bar coding as an aid to electoral registration is a matter for individual Electoral Registration Officers to determine.

Members: Conduct

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress he has made on proposals to introduce a power for electors to recall their Member of Parliament.

Mark Harper: As set out in the coalition agreement, the Government are committed to bringing forward legislation to introduce power of recall. We are currently considering what would be the fairest, most appropriate and robust procedure.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Business: EU Law

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department last made an estimate of the cost of EU regulations to British businesses.

Mark Prisk: The last estimate of the cost of EU regulation to British businesses made by this Department was contained in the second Forward Regulatory Programme published in April 2010. This shows that, at that time, the proportion of new regulatory costs stemming from the EU between April 2010 and April 2011 was about 31% of the total.
	This Department has not estimated the overall cost of either all EU regulation or domestic regulation on British businesses, because to do so would involve disproportionate expenditure.

Business: Scotland

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire council area and  (c) Scotland have participated in the Working Capital Scheme since its inception.

Mark Prisk: The Working Capital Scheme (WCS) was launched last year to provide guarantees for banks: individual businesses were not eligible to apply for these guarantees. No further guarantees will be available under the WCS although existing guarantees will be honoured.

East of England Development Agency

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the East of England Development Agency's allocated capital programme expenditure was spent in each year since its inception.

Mark Prisk: Each year regional development agencies (RDAs) are given capital allocations for the year and have flexibility to swap with other regions up to the year end. There are also a large number of cases where initial capital allocations were changed in-year as RDAs' responsibilities have changed over time or cuts to capital budgets made. We do not, therefore, have a historic record of an individual region's spend on capital compared to their initial allocations.

Environment Protection

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2010,  Official Report, column 456W, on environmental protection, what his definition of environmental goods and services his Department uses.

Edward Davey: In my answer of 16 June I noted that one of the main difficulties in taking forward the environmental negotiations in the Doha Round has been agreeing a definition. In general, environmental goods and services include those which contribute to the achievement of national and international environmental priorities including the mitigation of climate change, and the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements. More specifically, the European Union, together with partners, has produced a list of goods to fulfil the Doha Declaration objective on environmental goods-JOB(09)/132. I believe that this list provides a good basis for an agreement in this area. I will place a copy of JOB(09)/132 in the Libraries of the House.
	On environmental services, we are working to encourage new commitments in the following areas:
	sewage and waste water services;
	refuse disposal services;
	sanitation services;
	cleaning of exhaust gases;
	noise abatement services; and
	nature and landscape protection services.

Environment Protection

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to increase the level of support provided by UK Trade and Investment for UK-based companies that develop and export innovative low carbon technologies.

Mark Prisk: UK Trade and Investment is refocusing its effort to build the UK's reputation globally as a partner of choice for low carbon business. At least a third of activities provided sectorally to business by UK Trade and Investment's head office this year will focus on business opportunities for UK companies with low carbon solutions.
	Recent UK Trade and Investment commissioned research has identified China, India, US and Brazil as representing the greatest immediate opportunity for UK-based companies with low carbon solutions. UK Trade and Investment will, in addition to supporting UK companies in other markets, prioritise these markets for increased activities such as trade missions and meet the buyer events on low carbon business opportunities.

Foreign Investment in UK: Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assistance his Department provides to Israeli businesses wishing to  (a) invest in the UK and  (b) take part in joint ventures with UK companies; how much was made available for these purposes in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: The information requested is as follows.
	 (a) UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the Government organisation that leads on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the UK. It provides consistently excellent, highly professional service throughout the investment process and uses the global network of embassies, high commissions and consulates to assist targeted, high quality investment to come to the UK, including investment from Israel.
	 (b) UKTI R&D Partnerships can help organisations including Israeli businesses, interested in forming different types of partnership, one of which is a joint venture, involving research and development (R&D) or innovation activity. R&D Partnerships has supported partnership requests from Israel since 1 April 2008 to date by delivering 13 reports in total in the following categories: five in Information Technology Electronics and Communications, three in Performance Engineering Materials Energy and Environment, and five in Life Sciences. Within these reports 215 UK organisations were contacted about the specific partnership opportunity, and 15 expressed a direct interest in opening dialogue with the Israeli organisations in question to discuss the technical details and potential collaborations.
	To attract a continuing high level of quality foreign direct investment the net cost globally for 2007-08 was £32,581,000 and for 2008-09 £31,869,000-Departmental Report and Resources Accounts published on:
	www.ukti.gov.uk
	Information on annual expenditure on investments from Israel is unavailable due to the difficulty of disaggregating these figures.

Further Education

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to assist into further education those ineligible for funding support for study at further educational colleges on grounds of age; and if he will make a statement.

John Hayes: Full funding of tuition is provided for those aged 16 to 18 and for adult (19+) learners undertaking basic literacy and numeracy qualifications (Skills for Life), their first full Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs grade A*-C) or their first full Level 3 (A-level or equivalent) for those aged 19-24. Full funding is also provided for adult learners in receipt of income-based benefits.
	Support for tuition of courses which are not the first full qualification for that learner at that level is provided through co-funding, at the level of 50% with a 50% contribution expected from the individual or employer.
	Some adult learning is not eligible for funding by the Skills Funding Agency. If an adult is accessing education for which they are expected to make a contribution to the costs, either in part or in full, then they have access, subject to bank lending conditions, to Professional and Career Development Loans.
	Colleges and training organisations administer Discretionary Learner Support, which provides funding to all learners aged 16+, in exceptional circumstances, and which covers additional costs such as transport rather than fees.

Further Education: Wales

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 21 June 2010,  Official Report, columns 1-2WS, on further education investment, what the Barnett consequentials for Wales are of the measures announced.

John Hayes: On 24 May, as part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement on the £6 billion of efficiency savings to be realised in 2010-11, it was announced that £50 million would be re-prioritised from Train to Gain to further education capital. On 21 June, Government made a further announcement setting out the details for how this additional money would be reallocated to support a range of capital infrastructure projects prioritising those colleges who have not previously benefited significantly from further education capital investment. The Barnett formula was applied to these recycled savings, which were included in the Welsh Assembly Government figures also announced as part of 24 May statement. The Barnett consequential for Wales of the £200 million recycled savings was £11.6 million.

Israel-British Business Council

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much was allocated by his Department to the Israel-Britain Business Council in each of the last two years; for what purposes; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) sets aside £25,000 each year to support the work of the Israel-Britain Business Council (IBBC). £10,000 per annum goes towards secretariat support for the Business Council, while £15,000 per annum is available to support initiatives aimed at helping British companies to win business in key sectors in Israel; or at bringing more Israeli investment into the UK. Such initiatives have included awareness-raising events on export or investment opportunities and trade missions.

Mobile Phones: Competition

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward proposals to reduce mobile telephone termination rates; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: The determination of levels of mobile termination rates (MTR) is a regulatory matter for Ofcom. The process for determining the rates is set out in the Communications Act; it requires a market review to be carried out and extensive stakeholder consultation.
	The current regime is due to expire on 31 March 2011 and Ofcom have just concluded a second round of consultation on how rates should be calculated from 1 April next year. Ofcom will publish a statement in the second half of this year setting out the new rates.
	The EU has recently recognised that the UK has one of the lowest levels of MTR in Europe. Ofcom's proposals aim to reduce this by 85%-down from around 4.3p per minute now to 0.5p per minute by March 2015. This is good news for consumers who will benefit from cheaper calls and increased competition.

Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many cars were purchased under the scrappage scheme in  (a) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency,  (b) South Lanarkshire Council area and  (c) Scotland.

Mark Prisk: Using data based on the locations of dealerships and data for scrappage transactions which have been completed and vehicles delivered, there have been 109 completed scrappage transactions in Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency, 1,092 in the South Lanarkshire council area and 27,988 in Scotland. Due to the nature of the scheme, we will not have final data on completed scrappage transactions until approximately the beginning of September this year.

Office for Life Sciences

Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the future of the Office for Life Sciences; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: holding answer 28 June 2010
	The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) will continue to work to improve the UK business environment for life sciences companies. This will be based on close and collaborative working between Ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Health, and their officials.

One NorthEast

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effects of the proposed abolition of One NorthEast on the Passionate People Passionate Places campaign;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effects of the proposed abolition of One NorthEast on the North East Productivity Alliance project.

Mark Prisk: We have invited local authority and business leaders to work together and consider forming local enterprise partnerships to replace regional development agencies. Local enterprise partnerships will provide the strategic leadership in their areas and set out local economic priorities. It will be for local enterprise partnerships to decide which initiatives to support.
	The Government will publish a White Paper later in the summer setting out plans for a new approach to sub-national growth.

Overseas Trade: Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much trade with Israel contributed to the UK's gross domestic product in each of the last two years; what recent discussions he has had since his appointment with his Israeli counterpart on trade between the UK and Israel; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: The benefits of international trade to gross domestic product (GDP) result from greater economic efficiency due to a combination of increased competition in markets, relative comparative advantages, economies of scale, increased opportunities for learning, and greater incentives for innovation. Due to the difficulty of differentiating between the impact of trade and other factors on growth, it is not possible to quantify precisely the impact of trade with another country on GDP.
	The following table indicates the scale of UK trade in goods and services with Israel for the years 2007 and 2008 as a proportion of GDP:
	
		
			   2007  2008 
			  Percentage of UK GDP at market prices   
			 UK exports to Israel 0.12 0.13 
			 UK imports from Israel 0.10 0.10 
		
	
	Geographical data for trade in 2009 are due to be published at the end of July.
	I have not had any discussions with my Israeli counterpart since my appointment.

Overseas Trade: Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he  (a) has taken and  (b) plans to take to increase trade between the UK and Israel; how much his Department (i) has spent since January 2010 and (ii) plans to spend during the next 12 months on the promotion of trade between the UK and Israel; what recent representations he has received on increasing trade between the UK and Israel; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) provides a range of support services to British companies wishing to trade with Israel, through commercial teams based in both the UK and the British embassy in Tel Aviv. UKTI support focuses, in particular, on business opportunities in high technology sectors, including biotechnology, health care, aerospace, information and communication technology, the environmental industries and financial and legal services.
	UKTI supports the work of the Israel British Business Council (IBBC) and also manages a broad range of activities aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment, including trade missions to Israel, inward missions by Israeli firms to trade fairs in the UK and promotional events aimed at encouraging Israeli companies to list in London and do business which brings benefits to Britain.
	Examples of recent UKTI initiatives aimed at boosting business between Israel and the UK include a visit to Israel in May 2009 by the former Minister for Trade, Lord Davies; a British trade mission to the WATEC water and environment trade fair and conference in Tel Aviv in November 2009; a visit to Israel by UKTI's deputy chief executive in December 2009; and the promotion of business opportunities in Israel to over 450 UK companies in London, Manchester and the West Midlands through UKTI's "Partner Middle East" road shows in February 2010. Other activities of this nature will follow over the coming 12 months.
	Information on annual expenditure on promoting trade with Israel is unavailable due to the difficulty of disaggregating these figures.
	There have been no recent representations on increasing business between the UK and Israel.

Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the planned repayment period was for the proposed loan to Sheffield Forgemasters which was withdrawn on 17 June 2010; and what the total planned repayment amount was, including interest payments.

Mark Prisk: The planned repayment period for the loan to Sheffield Forgemasters was 14 years. The total planned repayment amount would be £110.9 million.
	Equity warrants would have provided an additional return to HMG the exact quantum of which would have depended on the outcome of the project.

Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish representations his Department received from individuals or groups on the proposed loan to Sheffield Forgemasters between 7 May and 17 June 2010.

Mark Prisk: The Department received a few representations from some MPs and members of the public over the period 7 May to 17 June 2010. These have been responded directly to the constituency MPs concerned, or directly to the member of the public concerned. The Department has also received confidentially one letter from a company inquiring into the state aid position of the proposed loan. The Department is prepared to publish the response to these letter, with the consent of the individuals, or organisations concerned, if that would be desirable.

Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when Sheffield Forgemasters first requested that his Department to provide a loan facility.

Mark Prisk: The initial application for support from Sheffield Forgemasters for the Ultra Heavy Forging Capability was first formally received in September 2008.

Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he had with Sheffield Forgemasters between 7 May and 17 June 2010 on the proposed £80 million loan facility.

Mark Prisk: I can confirm that I have had no direct discussions with Sheffield Forgemasters concerning the proposed £80 million loan or their advisers between 7 May and 17 June.

Street Trading: Public Consultation

Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to publish the responses his Department has received to the joint consultation on modernising street trading and pedlar legislation, and on draft guidance on the current regime.

Edward Davey: I expect to publish the responses we have received very shortly.
	The Department will inform those who responded when the responses are available on the BIS Website.